Adly Zahari: Melaka election not a waste of time, public funds as ‘democratic power belongs to the people’

Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari said the coalition was seeking the support of all Melakans, rather than relying solely on its own party members, to secure a mandate to govern the state. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 01 Nov 2026 1:06 PM MYT

MELAKA, Nov 1 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) has dismissed claims that the 16th Melaka State Election is a waste of time and public funds, describing it instead as an important democratic process that allows the people to determine the mandate for the state government.

Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari said the coalition was seeking the support of all Melakans, rather than relying solely on its own party members, to secure a mandate to govern the state.

Adly, who is also the PH candidate for the Bukit Katil state seat and an Amanah vice-president, said that while other political parties might be able to win by relying on their own supporters, PH believed its victory depended on the trust and support of the wider electorate.

“I do not deny that Barisan Nasional could win with the support of its own members. However, we in Pakatan Harapan are using this election to appeal to the people of Melaka for their support.

“We can only win with the support of the people of Melaka. Governing power is not a permanent right of any party, and voters do not owe their mandate to anyone. Ultimately, democratic power belongs to the people,” he said.

He was speaking at a daily press conference at the PH main operations room here today, which was also attended by Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong.

Meanwhile, Adly, who is also Deputy Defence Minister, said initial feedback gathered by PH’s 24 candidates during their campaign activities indicated that residents remained concerned about water bills, homeownership difficulties, access to welfare assistance and recurring floods.

He said small-scale traders were also facing challenges involving capital and rental costs.

Adly urged Barisan Nasional (BN), which won 21 of the 28 seats in the previous state election, to take responsibility for addressing these concerns and explain the measures taken, rather than behaving as though it had only recently assumed control of the state administration.

“...the people have every right to ask. If even basic matters remain unresolved and continue to be a source of public complaints, on what grounds should the current administration be praised? Signboards can be changed and slogans refreshed, but the quality of service must deliver the best possible outcomes for the people,” he said.

The Election Commission has set November 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka State Election, while early voting is on November 10.

For the latest updates on the election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/. — Bernama