MELAKA: All eyes are now on Sept 19 as speculation mounts that the Melaka legislative assembly could be dissolved soon after the final leg of the Wakil Rakyat Sayang Rakyat (WRUR) programme in Tanjung Bidara.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh remained coy over the date on Tuesday (Sept 8), but appeared to suggest that an announcement could follow the conclusion of the statewide programme.
"The fruit has only just ripened on that day. Let us wait for it to fall,” he said in jest when asked by the media today whether Sept 19 would mark a significant point towards the dissolution.
The 28th and final lap of the WRUR programme will be held in Tanjung Bidara, the state constituency represented by Ab Rauf.
The initiative has taken state leadership across Melaka to meet residents, understand their concerns and address local problems.
Meanwhile, Ab Rauf said his administration had no reason to engage in smear politics or attack its opponents, as the people were capable of judging the state government by its performance.
He said Melaka Barisan Nasional embraced the politics of compassion under the Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) initiative instead of resorting to hostility.
According to him, the approach was demonstrated through various outreach initiatives, including the Jelajah Ketua Menteri Sayang Rakyat and WRUR programmes, which allowed residents to raise their grievances directly with the state government.
“We are leaders who protect and care for the people and never speak ill of others or make all sorts of accusations because there is no need for that.
"The people know what we have accomplished. We care for them through the MeSRa, or Melaka Sayang Rakyat, initiative,” he said.
On Monday (Sept 7), Ab Rauf had also hinted that the dissolution was drawing closer.
“I said previously that there were four Fridays to go, but now only two remain,” he was quoted as saying.
His remarks followed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s call on Sunday (Sept 6) for Ab Rauf to expedite the dissolution of the state assembly and pave the way for the Melaka election.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan chairman and Umno president, said the announcement should not be delayed for too long, as voters—particularly young people—should be allowed to determine the state’s direction and future.
The last Melaka election was held on Nov 20, 2021, with Barisan winning 21 of the 28 seats, while Pakatan Harapan secured five and Perikatan Nasional took two.
