BN is not taking any risks in the Malacca state election, opting to contest only seats it or its Perikatan Nasional partner won previously – a move which has inadvertently upset MCA.

Caretaker chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh will defend Tanjung Bidara for a second term, while Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh will stay in Merlimau despite previously indicating he would move to another seat.

Tanjung Bidara could have been a battleground had BN and PN contested against each other. During the 15th general election, PN secured 51 percent support in the constituency, compared with BN’s 41 percent.

Likewise, Merlimau, where BN-PN support exceeded 50 percent, will likely be a walk in the park for Akmal.