Melaka polls: BN manifesto to prioritise people's economy

MASJID TANAH: The people's economy, particularly efforts to help small traders improve their livelihoods, will be among the key focuses of Barisan Nasional's manifesto for the Melaka election.

Caretaker Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said inputs and feedback gathered from the public through grassroots engagements would guide BN in formulating economic policies that better addressed their needs and aspirations.

He said informal engagements with the people through various programmes, including breakfast gatherings at coffee shops, had provided him and other candidates with opportunities to understand the challenges they faced and how they made ends meet amid a challenging economic climate.

"We get to engage with the community and listen to their views and suggestions. We will use this feedback to guide us in formulating policies related to the people's economy.

"I am particularly keen to understand how people are making ends meet in such challenging circumstances," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after having breakfast with residents at a stall in Ayer Limau.

Meanwhile, Ab Rauf said he expected BN to win more than the 21 seats it secured in the previous election.

"This is still an early projection. We will continue to conduct assessments on the ground.

"I expect that, with this blue wave, Insya-Allah, we can gain another two or three seats," he said.