PETALING JAYA: The five Pakatan Harapan incumbent assemblymen have been retained, as the coalition announced 21 candidates for the Melaka polls.
Of the 21 seats, PKR will contest nine, DAP seven and Amanah five. The Melaka State Legislative Assembly has 28 seats.
The seven seats for which candidates have yet to be announced are Ayer Limau, Lendu, Taboh Naning, Sungai Udang, Pantai Kundor, Duyong and Bemban.
The incumbents are Adly Zahari (Bukit Katil), Seah Shoo Chin (Kesidang), Low Chee Leong (Kota Laksamana), Leng Chau Yen (Bandar Hilir), Kerk Chee Yee (Ayer Keroh).
Other candidates announced last night were Muhammad Mukhlisul Mubin Julasapiyah (Kuala Linggi), Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri (Tanjung Bidara), Mohd Khuzairie Mohd Kamal Kannan (Rembia), K. Jegasilan (Gadek), Ginie Lim Siew Lin (Machap Jaya), Datuk Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat (Durian Tunggal).
Also named were Denesh Palasubraniam (Asahan), Datuk Azman Abidin (Paya Rumput), Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir (Klebang), Jason Tze-Xi Nathan (Pengkalan Batu), Muhammad Hakimin Mokhtar (Ayer Molek), Poo Long Suan (Duyong), Capt (R) Mohamad Jaafar (Telok Mas), Esma Eazreen Husin (Rim), Muhammad Faiq Azman (Serkam) and Rahayu Hamzah (Merlimau)
Addressing supporters, Pakatan chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he was encouraged by the strong turnout and enthusiasm shown by the crowd.
“I am confident in the spirit of the people of Melaka.
“This is for our future, our children, our parents and our families. I want everyone to work hard as one team,” he said.
He also reminded party members and supporters that each candidate represented Pakatan’s political struggle and aspirations.
“These are Pakatan Harapan’s candidates. Each of them represents the spirit of our struggle.
“Each must be entrusted with this responsibility, and their victory rests in the hands of the voters and our friends,” he said.
Anwar also urged Pakatan to focus its Melaka election campaign on the coalition’s achievements rather than resorting to personal attacks against political opponents.
“We can win by telling the people what we have achieved. We have been in government for almost four years, and now is the time to explain what we have done,” he said.
Anwar also dismissed claims by political rivals that they would secure a decisive victory in Melaka, expressing confidence that voters would instead push for political change.
“Some say they won Johor and Negri Sembilan and will sweep Melaka too. Let them say what they want.
“The people of Melaka will rise and show that change is needed for a brighter future,” he said.
He said Melaka’s development depended on cooperation among Malaysians of all races, warning against attempts to win elections by sowing racial divisions.
“We must develop Melaka together, with the Malays, Chinese and Indians working as one team.
“What is the point of winning by creating hostility among one another?” he said.
Unity, he said, was essential to securing better jobs, education and economic opportunities for future generations.
