Melaka polls: Amirudin joins over 200 PH supporters to support Azman

MELAKA: More than 200 Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters gathered in Paya Rumput today to back the coalition's candidate, Datuk Azman Abidin, in the 16th Melaka state election.

The supporters were accompanied by PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who was present at Hang Jebat Stadium to lend his support to Azman as the coalition geared up for its campaign efforts.

Jun Lye Chye Yoon, 51, who has lived in Paya Rumput for 18 years, said she trusted Azman because of his close working relationship with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

She said the constituency needed a representative with the level of access and experience that Azman could bring, particularly given his role working closely with the prime minister.

Another supporter, research officer Yogeswary S. Veloo, 55, said she had seen Azman work first-hand and believed he understood his responsibilities and knew what needed to be done for the people.

She said her confidence in him was based on his work ethic and ability to carry out his duties.

Azman, who is also the political secretary to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is contesting the N.13 Paya Rumput seat in an expected three-cornered fight against Pas candidate Rafie Ahmad and Bersama's Abdul Rashid Abu Bakar.

He previously said his decision to contest in Melaka was driven by a desire to contribute to the state, which has links to his family's roots.

Although he had never contested an election before, he viewed the opportunity as a chance to serve the state.

In the 2021 state election, BN's Datuk Rais Yasin retained Paya Rumput with a majority of 629 votes after securing 6,830 votes.

PH's Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin came second with 6,201 votes, while PN's Muhammad Faris Izwan Mazlan garnered 3,972 votes.

Rais, however, will not defend Paya Rumput in this election and has instead been fielded in Sungai Udang.

Polling is scheduled for Nov 14, while early voting will take place on Nov 10.