Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari will be Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) candidate for Melaka chief minister if the coalition succeeds in forming the state government after the Nov 14 state election.
PH election director Amirudin Shari said Adly, a former Melaka chief minister, had been agreed upon as the coalition’s candidate for the post.
“Adly is the best candidate (for chief minister), along with a few others. However, as of now, there is a consensus to name Adly as the candidate, provided we secure a majority or are entrusted with the mandate,” he told reporters today.
Amirudin, who is also Selangor Menteri Besar, was speaking after the closing of the National-Level Hawkers and Small Traders Day Carnival (HPPK) 2026 by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Adly faces three challengers in Bukit Katil
Adly, the incumbent Bukit Katil assemblyman, is facing a four-cornered contest in the election.
His challengers are Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Ridzuan Sarif, Parti Bersama Malaysia’s (Bersama) Dr Aliza Che Amran and independent candidate Abu Bakar Sabudin.
In the 15th Melaka state election, Adly, who is also an Amanah vice-president, retained the seat with a majority of 1,057 votes.
He defeated three other candidates: Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Hasnoor Sdg Husin, PN’s Muhammad Al Afiz Yahya and independent candidate Abdul Hamid.
PH confident of contesting strongly
Amirudin, who is also a PKR vice-president, said PH was confident of mounting a strong challenge in the state election following the conclusion of the nomination process yesterday.
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, while early voting will take place on Nov 10.
