MELAKA: Five years after entering the electoral fray as Melaka’s youngest candidate, Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir is poised for a second bid, backed by experience gained from organising a slew of community programmes since her 2021 debut.
The 26-year-old is expected to be fielded by PKR in a semi-urban constituency in the upcoming state election, although her candidacy and seat have yet to be confirmed.
“That was my first experience contesting in an election.
"Over the years, I have gained a better understanding of what it takes to be an election candidate,” she said in an interview on Tuesday (Oct 13).
Since that maiden contest, she has maintained her engagement with residents through community programmes focusing on women’s empowerment, education and health.
The initiatives have kept her involved in community work in the years between elections as she awaits a possible opportunity to contest again.
Farzana, who speaks fluent Mandarin, said she intended to continue championing women and youth empowerment as well as organising educational and health programmes after nomination day.
However, she acknowledged that her anticipated return to the ballot would depend on PKR’s final decision.
“I have to wait for PKR to announce the names of its candidates on Oct 18, as anything could change at the eleventh hour.
“I am confident of being selected, given the positive feedback I have received from party leaders,” she said.
Farzana drew attention during the 2021 Melaka election as its youngest candidate, representing Pakatan Harapan in a four-cornered fight for Sungai Rambai.
She finished third with 1,356 votes, behind Barisan Nasional’s Siti Faizah Abdul Azis and Perikatan Nasional’s Muhammad Jefri Safry.
Siti Faizah won the seat with 3,801 votes, securing a majority of 1,137 over Muhammad Jefri, who polled 2,664 votes. Putra’s Nazatul Asyraf Md Dom received 84 votes.
The victory allowed Barisan to retain Sungai Rambai, which it had also won in the 2018 general election through Datuk Hasan Abd Rahman.
Nomination day for the upcoming Melaka state election is set for Oct 31, with early voting on Nov 10 and polling on Nov 14.
