“God-willing (I will contest),” he told reporters briefly at a press conference at Wisma Pertahanan here.

Mohamad, who is also defence minister, quipped that he would contest for the state seat if journalists wanted him to remain its assemblyman.

“What do you guys think? Do you want me to contest?” he said with a chuckle.

He said Barisan Nasional had yet to finalise its candidates for the state elections, adding that the coalition will no longer only field fresh faces but “winnable candidates”.

Mohamad, who is also Barisan Nasional deputy chairman, has been the assemblyman for Rantau since 2004.

The former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar was elected uncontested in Rantau in 2018, but the election was voided and a by-election called in 2019.

During the by-election, Mohamad defended the state seat with a 4,510-vote majority over his rival from Pakatan Harapan.

Mohamad was Negeri Sembilan menteri besar for three terms from 2004 to 2018, until PH wrested the state from BN.

The 15th general election (GE15) was Mohamad’s first time contesting a parliamentary seat. He went on to win the Rembau seat with a majority of 19,897 votes.

Prior to GE15, Mohamad had expressed optimism about being re-elected in Rantau.

We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.