Ab Rauf vows to restore Melaka's former glory

MASJID TANAH: Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh is determined to restore Melaka's former glory as a leading trading hub.

The Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman said the state's illustrious history must be understood so that the present generation would appreciate independence and recognise its responsibility to build a better future for generations to come.

"If I am entrusted with this responsibility, I will make Melaka even greater," he said during a campaign ceramah at Taman Jeram Perdana here last night.

Linking his ambition to the state's history, Rauf said Melaka was once a world-renowned centre for trade, religious development and language.

"The excellence of its port management and spice trade were among the things that reflected the capabilities of the people of Melaka at the time.

"Melaka had the most advanced shipbuilding technology. The Dutch were extremely jealous of us after seeing how well the people of Melaka managed the port," he said.

However, he said the state's glory was eventually destroyed by colonial rule, and the lessons of that history should serve as a reminder to the present generation.

In the context of political struggle, he reminded supporters that their efforts today would also shape the future of generations to come.

"Do not forget that the struggle we are engaged in today is not for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren," he said.

Ab Rauf urged voters to support BN in the Nov 14 election to ensure the struggle could continue.