Melaka BN told not to underestimate rivals in state election

KUALA LUMPUR: Melaka Barisan Nasional candidates and election machinery have been reminded not to become complacent or underestimate their opponents in the upcoming state election on Nov 14.

Its chairman, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, said BN's journey to where it is today was not easy, adding that current achievements stemmed from hard work, stability, and public support.

Therefore, he said BN must continue focusing on resolving issues faced by the people and maintaining the stability built over the years.

"Never become complacent. Do not underestimate the opposition. Continue going to the ground and listening to the voices of the people.

"Our opponents also have strengths, but as I often say, if they give, we take! If they want to contribute, we take!" he said on his Facebook page last night.

Earlier, Rauf launched the Kota Melaka parliamentary-level BN election machinery for the 16th Melaka election and joined a motorcycle convoy of more than 100 riders to the launch site at Taman Bukit Punggur, Telok Mas.

He said he had concluded the announcement of BN candidates for the state election the night before and urged all leadership levels and party machinery to help ensure their victory, including Duyong candidate Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem and Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman (Telok Mas).

"Melaka is the bridge to Putrajaya. On Nov 14, let us unite, Malays, Chinese, Indians, and all the people of Melaka, for a more glorious future for the state," he said.

The coalition announced 21 candidates for the 16th Melaka election, fielding eight new faces and retaining 13 incumbents.

The candidates comprise 18 from Umno, two from MCA, and one from MIC, with seven remaining seats to be allocated to strategic partners working together in the state election.