Barisan Nasional (BN) announced that former Melaka chief minister Sulaiman Md Ali would be its choice for the top post on Nov 6, and Pakatan Harapan (PH) endorsed its Melaka chief, Adly Zahari, as its candidate on Nov 10.

Asked to comment on her candidacy being announced later than PN’s rivals, Mas Ermieyati said she did not think it would affect her chances in the election.

She is contesting the Tanjung Bidara seat against Melaka Umno chief Ab Rauf Yusoh and PH’s Zainal Hassan..

“I don’t feel that way. I believe this is part of PN’s strategy … to make the announcement two days before (the election),” the deputy law minister said.

She is the first woman to be named a chief minister-designate in a state or general election.

Mas Ermieyati has served as the Masjid Tanah MP since 2013. She had served as deputy entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister in Muhyiddin Yassin’s PN administration.

Expressing her appreciation to PN for endorsing her nomination, the 45-year-old said she was fully aware of the responsibility placed on her shoulders.

Although she felt fairly confident of her chances on Saturday, she admitted that she would have a tough fight on her hands to win the Tanjung Bidara seat, which she called an “Umno fortress”.

In comparison to Sulaiman and Adly, who have touted plans to boost tourism and address issues faced by fishermen, Mas Ermieyati was coy on her goals for the state.

“It’s too early for me to talk about that, let me win the election first,” she said with a smile.