Melaka election: Battle pits veterans, fresh faces

KUALA LUMPUR: The battle for Melaka on Nov 14 is shaping up as a contest between experience and fresh faces, with Barisan Nasional banking on seasoned candidates to retain voter confidence while Pakatan Harapan looks to new personalities to inject new momentum into its campaign.

The contrasting approaches reflect the two coalitions' different calculations as they seek to win over voters.

While BN is leaning on established political figures and their familiarity with local issues, PH is looking to fresh candidates to appeal to a new generation of voters and signal a change in political direction.

On paper, BN's candidates in the Melaka election have an advantage in terms of experience and name recognition, as nearly 62 per cent of its 21-strong line-up are incumbents.

Apart from caretaker Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who is leading the coalition's charge, other prominent candidates include Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem, Merlimau assemblyman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, and Rim assemblywoman Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar.

This contrasts with PH's strategy of fielding 13 new faces out of its 21 candidates, accounting for nearly 62 per cent of its line-up, including a young candidate reportedly aged just 23.

Among PH's candidates, relatively few are familiar faces in the media or enjoy widespread name recognition.

They include incumbent Bukit Katil assemblyman Adly Zahari, who is also a former Melaka chief minister, and the prime minister's political secretary, Datuk Azman Abidin, who is contesting in Paya Rumput.

Rauf yesterday reminded BN candidates and election machinery not to become complacent or underestimate their opponents.

He said BN's journey to where it is today was not easy.

He said current achievements stemmed from hard work, stability and public support.

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!"

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 all leadership levels and party machinery must help ensure victory for BN candidates.

"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."

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

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.

Meanwhile, PH said it was banking on its experience governing Selangor, Penang and, till this year, Negri Sembilan as it seeks to win over voters in the Melaka polls.

Meanwhile, Azman said PH had experience managing the administrations in the three states and hoped that Melaka voters would give the coalition the same opportunity.

"We know PH has a good track record, having successfully managed the administrations in Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan.

"If the people of Melaka give us the opportunity to lead the state, God willing, we will do our best, just as we have done in Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan," he said yesterday after the closing ceremony of Minggu Melaka Ceria in Tanjung Minyak.

Azman said PH's main aim was to give voters a choice in deciding which party should lead the state.

On Saturday, PH chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the coalition's 21 candidates for the Melaka polls, with PKR contesting nine seats, DAP seven and Amanah five.

The line-up comprises 13 new faces, five former assemblymen retained as candidates and three candidates who had contested in previous elections.