Melaka polls: No more 'safe seats' this time round, predicts Idris Haron

MELAKA: There will not be any more "safe seats" in the state for any political party in the upcoming Melaka polls, predicts Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

The former Umno member and Sungai Udang assemblyman said he predicted voters would go for personalities and not for political parties when casting their ballots on Nov 20.

"The era of political parties believing that they will get votes even if they 'field a monkey' in safe seats is over.

"Barisan Nasional can no longer feel that rural constituencies are secure nor can Pakatan Harapan be confident in securing urban seats," he said in an interview here on Sunday (Oct 30).

Idris said electorates were wiser now and would look at whether former assemblymen had served them efficiently during their term.

He said it would not be surprising if MCA, MIC or Gerakan made a comeback and secure seats.

"It's a 50-50 situation for all candidates and the possibility of surprise victories cannot be ruled out," he said.

Idris said the grassroots sentiment now was very different compared to the 14th General Election.

"We can anticipate upsets in the certain seats," he said.

The Melaka election was triggered when the Melaka state assembly was dissolved after Sungai Udang assemblyman Datuk Seri Idris Haron and three others withdrew support for then chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

Nomination Day is Nov 8 while polling is on Nov 20.