Melaka polls: Farzana balances motherhood and politics in bid to reach voters

MELAKA: Being a mother to a two-year-old daughter has not deterred Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir from campaigning in the 16th Melaka state election, with her daily schedule beginning as early as 5.30am.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Kelebang state seat typically starts her day with Subuh prayer at a local mosque or surau before embarking on community visits, walkabouts, sports and religious activities, and small-group campaign talks.

Farzana Hayani, 26, popularly known as Nana, said she had adopted the approach consistently since the state polls campaign began last Saturday, aiming to reach as many constituents as possible.

"…I am happy with how the campaign has been organised and conducted. I estimate that I have engaged with around half of the voters in Kelebang.

"I start my day at 5.30am and usually get home at around 2am the following day to ensure I complete my planned campaign schedule," she told Bernama here last night.

The Tangga Batu Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief admitted that her hectic schedule sometimes left her exhausted, but positive feedback from the public helped lift her spirits and motivated her to press on with the remaining five days of campaigning.

She said residents raised main concerns about flooding, the cost of living, youth employment, challenges faced by single mothers, and issues affecting fishermen.

"I have taken note of the issues raised and will take them up with the relevant authorities if Kelebang voters give me the mandate in this election.

"The PH-led federal government is already providing various forms of assistance to those in need, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and aid through eKasih.

I believe these initiatives will continue to benefit more people," she said.

Farzana Hayani is set to face a four-cornered contest against Datuk Lim Ban Hong (Barisan Nasional), Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad (Bersatu) and Young Jie Yu (Parti Bersama Malaysia).

Melaka voters will go to the polls on Nov 14, with early voting on Nov 10. — BERNAMA