MELAKA: Snap polls cannot be ruled out for Melaka if members of the new coalition fail to agree on the choice of chief minister.

Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition was prepared in the event that the Melaka legislative assembly was dissolved.

It is learnt that the 13 Umno assemblymen would opt to dissolve the state assembly if dissatisfaction arises on the choice of the new chief minister.

While refusing to elaborate on this, Ahmad Zahid said Barisan would adhere to the decision of Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Dr Mohd Khalil Yaakob to bring an end to the political stalemate in the state.

“I urge the people of Melaka to be patient and allow the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (YDP) to resolve the political impasse in the state, ” he said in a press conference yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said he has submitted the names of several candidates, proposed by the party, for the chief minister post.

He said it was the prerogative of the YDP to elect the next chief minister.

“For Barisan and Umno, we will respect the decision of the YDP, ” he said.

Melaka state secretary Datuk Seri Hasim Hasan said the swearing-in ceremony of the new chief minister would be held tomorrow.

It is learnt that Umno has recommended Lendu assemblyman Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali as the party’s choice while Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia was said to

have nominated Paya Rumput assemblyman Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen.

Umno has 13 assemblymen while Bersatu held two state seats.

The other Bersatu seat is held by Telok Mas assemblyman Noor Effandi Ahmad.

Two other assemblymen, who recently defected to Perikatan Nasional – PKR’s Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis (Rembia) and DAP’s Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Pengkalan Batu) – have not openly stated which party they were supporting.

When contacted, Norhizam said he would back Umno.

“I just want to work closely with a supportive and loving chief minister, ” he said.