MELAKA: Parti Bersama Malaysia’s Ayer Keroh candidate is drawing on a lifetime shaped by the historic city’s multicultural fabric to connect with voters in one of the state’s most diverse constituencies.
Muhammad Muhaimin Lau Abdullah, also known as Alan Lau Chee Keong, said some constituents were initially surprised to learn about his family heritage and his familiarity with the customs of different communities.
"Some people were hesitant to approach me initially, possibly because of controversies stirred up by some individuals.
“I am a devout Muslim, but I was born into a Chinese family and remain proud of my ancestry.
"That will never change,” he said in an interview on Wednesday (Aug 19).
The 49-year-old lawyer said his extended family reflected Melaka’s rich cultural diversity, with relatives who were Muslims, Buddhists, Catholics and Hindus.
His mother is of Chinese Peranakan heritage, while he also has relatives from Melaka’s Chetti community.
“I grew up in a multicultural environment, so visiting temples and engaging with people from different backgrounds comes naturally to me.
“Some non-Muslim constituents were surprised when I explained my ancestry and I always tell them that it is an inseparable part of who I am,” he said.
Muhammad Muhaimin said Bersama’s leadership had instructed its candidates to steer clear of racial and religious rhetoric and concentrate instead on issues affecting the people.
He said his campaign would focus on improving residents’ well-being and attracting meaningful development to Ayer Keroh and Melaka.
"We do not want to dwell on controversial issues.
"Our ceramahs are centred on the people’s welfare and what can be done to bring meaningful progress to the state,” the father of four said.
Muhammad Muhaimin said grassroots activities had intensified since Bersama unveiled its 15 candidates for the Melaka poll on Aug 15.
His campaign team had organised community events, including kenduri, to introduce him to residents and gain a better understanding of their concerns.
He said Bersama candidates contesting neighbouring constituencies had also been providing strong support for his campaign.
“My service centre, staffed by five volunteers, is assisting residents and coordinating campaign activities,” he said.
Muhammad Muhaimin acknowledged that Bersama, as a new political party, faced an uphill task in winning the confidence of voters in the mixed constituency.
Ayer Keroh, he noted, has about 36,000 voters, with Malays accounting for 43.8%, Chinese 43.5%, Indians 7.5% and other communities 5.2%.
"We have to work extremely hard to convince voters. It will not be easy, especially as I expect a four-cornered contest,” he said.
In the 2021 Melaka election, DAP’s Kerk Chee Yee retained Ayer Keroh with a majority of 5,624 votes.
