PETALING JAYA: Issues arising from Budget 2027 and parties’ ability to offer manifestos that motivate voters to turn out for the Melaka polls will be key campaign talking points, says International Islamic University Malaysia political science lecturer Associate Prof Dr Syaza Farhana Mohamad Shukri.
She said the campaign period following the Budget announcement would allow contesting parties to use issues related to the government’s administration to influence voters in the lead-up to the Nov 14 polls.
“As the campaign will take place after the Budget announcement, I think all parties will likely focus on the issues that arise from it.
“Although we understand that a state election does not determine the federal government, I am certain Pakatan Harapan will argue that having the state government under its leadership would facilitate cooperation with the federal government,” she was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian on Sunday (Oct 11).
The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 as polling day and Oct 31 as nomination day.
Early voting for the Melaka state election will be held on Nov 10, while campaigning will run from Oct 31 to Nov 13.
Syaza Farhana also expects Barisan Nasional and PAS to highlight Pakatan’s weaknesses at the federal level while touting the merits of maintaining a Barisan-led Melaka government.
“I am certain Barisan and PAS will work together. They will take on Pakatan, which is going solo, while Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is also going solo, alongside the entry of Parti Bersama into Melaka,” she said.
