Melaka polls: PH candidate banking on campaign strategy to challenge Dr Akmal

JASIN: Facing incumbent Merlimau assemblyman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh is no easy task, but Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Rahayu Hamzah is determined to put up a fight.

While acknowledging that Dr Akmal is a formidable opponent, Rahayu said she had prepared her campaign strategies, taking into account his strong social media presence.

She said questions about her willingness to challenge the incumbent had only strengthened her resolve to contest the seat.

"Some people have asked me, 'Are you brave enough? Are you really brave enough to take on Dr Akmal?'

"Such remarks actually motivate me further. As a woman, I believe we are capable, and that spirit drives me to plan my strategies and strengthen my campaign efforts," she said when met at a medical outreach programme in Kampung Pengkalan Samak here yesterday.

Rahayu, fondly known as Dak Ayu among the Merlimau community, said her name had been considered for candidacy in the previous state election, but she had not been ready to take on the responsibility at the time.

She said she had focused on furthering her studies and managing her business after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite the political rivalry, Rahayu said she and Dr Akmal shared the same roots and knew each other, adding that their contest should not affect relationships among local residents.

"Both of us want a better Merlimau for its people. We each have our own ideas and agenda.

"If he (Dr Akmal) is a local boy, what makes this contest interesting is that it is a local boy against a local girl.

"Ultimately, let the people judge us based on our work, performance and service," she said.

If elected, Rahayu said she would champion the 'Melaka Rumah Kita' (Melaka, Our Home) aspiration promoted by PH, focusing on women's empowerment, economic opportunities for youths and the needs of local residents.

"We are here to find solutions, not add to the problems raised by residents.

"I hope the people of Merlimau will accept me. This time, they will get to see how a new face performs," she said.

The Merlimau constituency has 20,516 registered voters, with those aged between 30 and 39 forming the largest group at 4,367.

In the 2021 state election, Dr Akmal won the seat after he obtained a majority of 3,248 votes.