MELAKA: Army veterans in Sungai Udang who once fought alongside multi-racial comrades are urging stronger efforts to preserve national unity, says a Melaka PKR leader.
State PKR strategy director Mohd Radzmin Roslan said feedback gathered during visits to homes in the constituency showed growing concern among the elderly over divisive, hateful narratives online.
"Some may be frail or even wheelchair-bound, yet they remain attentive to current affairs through the media and social platforms,” he said on Thursday (Feb 19) after visiting several homes in the garrison town of Sungai Udang.
Radzmin said conversations with army veterans were particularly meaningful, as many recalled fighting side by side with fellow Malaysians of different ethnic and religious backgrounds during the communist insurgency.
“They reminded me that unity was never theoretical. It was something they depended on for survival,” he said.
He said such reflections hold important lessons for PKR aspirants in the Melaka election, which is expected to be held by the end of 2026.
Radzmin said many elderly voters were dissatisfied with what they perceived as insufficient action to curb divisive rhetoric in the digital space.
He said they also expressed hopes for stronger measures to reduce corruption and safeguard social harmony.
“Their questions are sincere and rooted in their life experience. They want to know what concrete steps are being taken to strengthen unity, even when certain controversies originate beyond the state level.
“The senior citizens we met are deeply concerned about preserving harmony and their views must guide how we plan our strategy and outreach,” he said.
Radzmin described the feedback as crucial in shaping PKR’s preparations for the Melaka polls, adding that the party would not harp on the weaknesses or internal issues of rival parties in facing the upcoming state election.
"Our focus must remain on strengthening unity within Pakatan Harapan and ensuring our election machinery is organised to serve the people effectively,” he said.
