Melaka polls: Political canvassing amid a calm facade

MELAKA: Campaigning for the Melaka polls has so far been marked by a relatively cordial atmosphere on the ground, even as political parties sharpen their rhetoric and step up efforts to secure support ahead of polling day on Nov 14.

Campaign workers from Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional have described the campaign as largely peaceful, with candidates concentrating on meeting voters, visiting communities and presenting their respective agendas.

Some have even likened the contest to a friendly football match, suggesting that political differences have yet to translate into open hostility among campaign teams.

A campaign worker for BN's Serkam candidate Datuk Azman Abdullah said there had been no provocations, describing the campaign as a healthy contest.

"There has been no provocations. Everything is fine, and we are competing in a healthy manner. It is like a friendly match of football," he said.

He also claimed that some Pas supporters had expressed their intention to support Azman because they knew him personally, adding that the reception during house visits had been encouraging.

A PH campaign worker in Merlimau shared a similar assessment, saying candidates were focused on meeting people and visiting communities.

"There has been no provocation from rival parties because we regard this as a friendly match to choose the state's future leaders. The state election is a democratic process, and everyone is mature enough to carry out their responsibilities calmly," he said.

A PN Melaka media officer said he had received no complaints from the party's machinery about provocations, adding that cooperation between BN and PN supporters had improved, with both sides helping each other on the ground.

The coordination reflects efforts to translate the political understanding between the two coalitions into grassroots support, although local loyalties and competing interests could still pose challenges.

Universiti Teknologi Mara Faculty of Communication and Media Studies senior lecturer Dr Siti Faidul Maisarah Abdullah said the campaign was calmer than the two previous elections, with fewer controversies and party members displaying greater maturity and professionalism.

She also noted a change in campaign approaches, saying PH, which had appeared more aggressive in previous contests, was adopting a more persuasive approach this time.

Based on her observations, the authorities had been effective and committed in maintaining a harmonious atmosphere, which she said should be preserved until polling day.

Political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub similarly described the campaign as peaceful and orderly, with political competition yet to translate into widespread public hostility or major disturbances.

He said political intensity was nevertheless increasing, particularly in campaign rhetoric and on social media, although this had not resulted in widespread hostility or physical confrontations on the ground.