Kuala lumpur: Initial negotiations regarding candidates for the Melaka state election will only be held after the dissolution of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The UMNO president emphasized that current efforts should concentrate on preparations for the state election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, shared these insights with reporters after attending the 2026 National Orang Asli Sports Carnival at the Educity Sports Complex. The event was also graced by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. Ahmad Zahid's comments came in response to queries regarding the initial discussions about candidates, as the term of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly is set to expire in December.

Further addressing the issue of a prospective prime ministerial candidate for the 16th General Election (GE16), Ahmad Zahid described such discussions as premature. He stated that it is too early to propose a specific individual for the position, as the timing of the election remains uncertain, contingent on when Parliament will be dissolved.

Regarding the dissolution of Parliament, Ahmad Zahid clarified that this decision rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who acts on the advice of the Prime Minister. He assured that all parties in the Unity Government would respect and adhere to the decision made.

Last Friday, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang mentioned that the party had identified its own candidate for prime minister in GE16 but indicated that the time was not right to disclose the candidate's identity.