Ab Rauf, who is also state Umno leader and the chief minister, said it would not be suitable to call for election too close to the end of the state assembly’s term in December, as the campaign period is expected to coincide with Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri which falls in March next year.

“We will try to identify a suitable time within these 120 days,” he said at his residence tonight.

When asked whether Melaka Umno would contest solo as decided by Johor Umno yesterday, Ab Rauf said the matter has yet to be decided. “We have not considered that yet, whether to go solo or work together with other parties. We will wait for the right time to make an announcement”.

“We have already started groundwork since last year; based on public reception, the BN state leadership is seen as the preferred choice,” he said.

BN won 21 of the 28 state assembly seats in the 2021 polls. The assembly’s current term ends in December.