Melaka polls: Lok puts community service at heart of Bandar Hilir campaign

MELAKA: Unfazed by a three-cornered contest in an opposition stronghold, BN's Bandar Hilir candidate Jasmine Lok is banking on her years of grassroots service to win voters' support.

The MCA candidate, who has served as a Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) councillor since 2022, said her experience in community work had given her the confidence to serve the constituency.

"I am not afraid. We live in a democracy, and I do not make predictions about who has more support. My confidence comes from working on the ground since 2011," said Lok.

"I started as a personal assistant to a city councillor, worked as a personal assistant to a member of parliament, and was later appointed as a councillor myself.

"I have the experience and understand how the government works," she added.

Lok faces a tough challenge in Bandar Hilir, traditionally a DAP stronghold, where she is up against PH's Leng Chau Yen and a candidate from Bersama.

Rather than dwelling on past election results, Lok said her main focus was on resolving everyday problems faced by local residents and small traders.

One of her key pledges is the 'Jasmine Care Van', a free transport service to take elderly residents living in older walk-up flats to hospitals and clinics for regular check-ups.

"Many senior citizens suffer from illnesses such as diabetes and have difficulty walking, especially those living on upper floors without lifts.

"Under this plan, youth volunteers will accompany them, wait with them at the hospital, and bring them safely home," she said.

She also wants to establish a weekend community centre to keep senior citizens active and bring younger and older residents together.

To revive vacant shop lots and boost the local economy, Lok proposed setting up affordable start-up spaces and weekend bazaars for young entrepreneurs.

She said the initiative would help promote Melaka's heritage by showcasing unique artisan products instead of the common souvenirs sold to tourists.

On traffic congestion and the proposed Car-Free Zone in the Unesco heritage area, Lok said a balanced approach was needed.

"Car-free zones are common in heritage sites overseas, but I understand that any new plan must not hurt local residents and traders. We cannot push for progress while ignoring the daily struggles of the community.

"My idea is to build multi-storey car parks outside the main area and use buggy shuttles to bring visitors into the heritage zone," she said.

She added that close cooperation between MBMB, the police and local residents was key to addressing traffic congestion.

MCA is fielding candidates in four seats under the BN banner in the Melaka election. It is defending Machap Jaya and Klebang while seeking to wrest the opposition strongholds of Bandar Hilir and Kota Laksamana.