MELAKA: Amid talk of incumbents switching constituencies, Barisan Nasional's Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar has made her preference clear - she wants to defend her current seat in the upcoming Melaka polls.
The incumbent Rim assemblyman said she had no intention of seeking another state seat, although she acknowledged that the final decision rested with the party leadership.
Khaidirah, who had served as the Melaka investment, industry and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) committee deputy chairman, said she was comfortable serving the constituency.
"For the upcoming state election, I am offering myself to contest and retain the Rim seat.
"Personally, I have no intention of moving to any other state constituency,” she said at the closing ceremony of a basic theory workshop on making nail bags at the World Youth Foundation hall here on Wednesday (Oct 14).
She was asked to comment on incumbent Merlimau assemblyman and Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s suggestion that he might contest another seat, including Serkam or Sungai Rambai.
Khaidirah said Dr Muhamad Akmal might have been speaking in jest, but added that she did not know whether there were other developments concerning a possible switch.
On her preparations for the polls, Khaidirah, better known as Dira, said she had spent most of her time in Rim since the dissolution of the state assembly on Sept 23 to remain accessible to the constituents.
"About 85% of my time since the dissolution has been spent in the constituency to ensure I am ready should any need arise.
"The current bad weather is also a reason for me to stay closer to residents, making it easier to respond to situations requiring attention,” she added.
The Election Commission has set Oct 31 for nomination day and Nov 10 for early voting, with polling on Nov 14.
