In a press conference, Rafiq said all parties should respect the decision made by its top leadership.

“As chairman of Melaka PN, I fully support the decision and urge the entire PN election machinery in the state to work hard for our victory in all seats,” he said.

Rafiq added that his focus had always been about his constituents in Telok Mas and was confident that the voters would support him in the election.

“I have gone down to campaign at the grassroots level for PN in Telok Mas and the response has been positive. I am sure voters will translate this into support for us tomorrow,” he said.

PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin made the announcement yesterday on the party choosing Mas Ermieyati over Rafiq for the chief minister’s post, should PN win the Melaka state election tomorrow.

PN’s opponents had previously criticised the coalition’s reluctance to name its chief minister-designate, with some speculating that it was afraid it might cause rifts in Bersatu and also in PN.