MELAKA: Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has instructed party workers to refrain from hostile campaigning and respond to political provocation ahead of the 16th Melaka state election.
Speaking at the launch of the Barisan election machinery for the Tangga Batu parliamentary constituency on Saturday (Oct 17), Ab Rauf urged election machinery to adopt the slogan: “Pen merah, pen biru, siapa pilih biru, I love you” (“Red pen, blue pen, whoever votes blue, I love you”) when confronted by political rivals.
"If anyone approaches you and tries to spread hatred during the campaign, respond with these words. We will make this our slogan for the Melaka polls,” said Ab Rauf, who is also the caretaker Melaka Chief Minister.
He said that voters deserve to make their choices and cautioned machinery against resorting to slander or incitement.
However, Ab Rauf also issued a warning to political opponents against attempting to stir prejudice or divide communities.
"We are warriors. We can be either Hang Tuah or Hang Jebat,” he said, referencing the legendary figures of the Melaka Sultanate to signal the coalition's resolve to defend itself if provoked.
Also present at the event were state Barisan deputy chairman and Tangga Batu Umno division chief Datuk Rais Yasin, as well as Melaka MCA chairman and Klebang assemblyman Datuk Lim Ban Hong.
The Election Commission has set Oct 31 for nominations, Nov 10 for early voting, and Nov 14 for polling.
