MELAKA: A political newcomer is banking on his medical background and plans to tackle local problems to win over Kesidang voters in the upcoming Melaka state election.
Dr Bryan Kek, a Parti Bersama (Bersama) hopeful for the seat, said he was confident of mounting a strong challenge despite Pakatan Harapan’s 10,237-vote majority in the 2021 state election.
He said voters are increasingly weighing candidates’ competence, accountability and ability to address everyday concerns.
"Public representation must be an institutional guarantee, not a personal favour," he said in an interview on Thursday (Oct 15).
DAP’s Allex Seah Shoo Chin won Kesidang under Pakatan with 14,769 votes in the last state election.
Dr Kek, who runs a medical practice in Batu Berendam here, pledged to publish his office’s allocations and expenditure within 100 days if elected.
His proposed complaint management system would include on-site inspections within 48 hours and progress reports within 14 days for cases escalated to the relevant authorities.
On concerns that Bersama could split the vote, he said its participation would give residents a wider choice.
"Voters do not belong to political coalitions, and no party owns their ballots by default," he said.
Dr Kek also viewed a hung state assembly as a credible possibility, saying representatives outside the established blocs could provide checks and balances.
The Election Commission has fixed Oct 31 for nominations, Nov 10 for early voting and Nov 14 for polling in the Melaka state election.
