MELAKA: Bukit Katil incumbent Datuk Seri Adly Zahari has pledged to complete two long-awaited development projects in his constituency if voters give him a third term in the Nov 14 Melaka state election.
The Melaka Pakatan Harapan chairman acknowledged that plans to introduce Green Lab digital learning facilities at several primary schools and complete a health polyclinic near Sekolah Demang Husin had yet to materialise.
He said budget constraints had prevented the implementation of the Green Lab initiative, while the proposed polyclinic remained incomplete despite receiving approval and funding from the Health Ministry.
“I have not been able to implement the Green Lab initiative at several schools in Bukit Katil due to budget constraints, as I was also focused on my responsibilities in the Alor Gajah parliamentary constituency.
“However, I pledge to implement the project in the next term as it will provide a foundation for digital education among schoolchildren,” he told reporters at a hi-tea session with the media here on Friday (Oct 30).
Adly said he also hoped to see the proposed health polyclinic completed if he secured another term.
“There are still many things on our agenda for Bukit Katil, and we hope the people will give us the mandate to continue implementing them,” he said.
The former Melaka chief minister, who has represented Bukit Katil for two consecutive terms, dismissed suggestions that the constituency was a safe seat for Pakatan.
He said political circumstances could change rapidly and that even prominent political figures were not immune to electoral defeat.
“I do not underestimate any challenge. My responsibility now is to appeal to the people of Bukit Katil to give me a third opportunity to serve them,” he said.
Adly acknowledged that cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional would present a formidable challenge, particularly with PAS candidate Muhammad Ridzuan Mohd Sarif entering the contest.
He said PAS had a strong election machinery despite contesting only two seats in the state election.
“We will mobilise our election machinery, meet as many voters as possible and hope that our eight years of service will be assessed favourably by the people of Bukit Katil,” he said.
Adly also identified approximately 4,000 young voters as a key factor that could influence the outcome of the contest.
He said younger voters were difficult to predict as they placed greater emphasis on candidates, their approaches and election pledges.
“Young voters want to see the candidates, their approaches and what they have to offer,” he said.
