The Nov 14 Melaka election is shaping up as a contest between experience and fresh faces, with Barisan Nasional (BN) relying on seasoned candidates to retain voter confidence while Pakatan Harapan (PH) is turning to new personalities to inject fresh momentum into its campaign.
The contrasting approaches reflect the coalitions’ different strategies as they seek to win over voters.
BN is leaning on established political figures and their familiarity with local issues, while PH is fielding new candidates to appeal to younger voters and signal a change in political direction.
Nearly 62% of BN’s 21 candidates are incumbents, giving the coalition an advantage in terms of political experience and name recognition.
Apart from caretaker Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh, who is leading BN’s campaign, other prominent candidates include Duyong assemblyman Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem, Merlimau assemblyman Muhamad Akmal Saleh and Rim assemblywoman Khaidirah Abu Zahar.
In contrast, 13 of PH’s 21 candidates are new faces, also accounting for nearly 62% of its line-up. They include a young candidate reportedly aged just 23.
Relatively few of PH’s candidates are familiar faces in the media or enjoy widespread name recognition.
They include incumbent Bukit Katil assemblyman Adly Zahari, a former Melaka chief minister, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, Azman Abidin, who is contesting Paya Rumput.
Rauf warns BN against complacency
Rauf yesterday reminded BN candidates and election machinery not to become complacent or underestimate their opponents.
He said BN’s journey to its current position had not been easy, with its achievements built on hard work, stability and public support.
He urged the coalition to continue addressing the people’s concerns and maintaining the stability established 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.
Earlier, Rauf launched the Kota Melaka parliamentary-level BN election machinery for the 16th Melaka election before joining a motorcycle convoy of more than 100 riders to the launch site at Taman Bukit Punggur, Telok Mas.
He said leaders at all levels and party machinery must work together to secure 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,’ he said.
BN announced 21 candidates for the election, comprising eight new faces and 13 incumbents.
The line-up consists of 18 Umno candidates, two from MCA and one from MIC. The remaining seven seats are to be allocated to strategic partners working with the coalition in the state election.
PH banks on governing experience
PH said it was relying on its experience governing Selangor, Penang and, until this year, Negeri Sembilan to win over Melaka voters.
Azman said PH had experience managing the administrations in the three states and hoped 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 Negeri 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 Negeri 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 Anwar 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.
