MELAKA: Barisan Nasional’s groundwork is opening doors for Perikatan Nasional's Paya Rumput contender Rafie Ahmad as he seeks voters’ backing in the semi-urban constituency.
He credited the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) programme, initiated by caretaker Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, with resolving local grievances and making it easier to engage the voters.
Rafie said the programme’s reach across all 28 state constituencies had provided a strong foundation for his campaign, reinforced by cooperation between Barisan and Perikatan under the Muafakat Melaka banner.
"We are campaigning under the Muafakat Melaka banner, which brings together Barisan and Perikatan.
“The Chief Minister had already visited all 28 constituencies through WRUR, giving us an advantage as we move forward together,” he said when met during campaigning in Paya Rumput here on Monday (Nov 2).
The Tangga Batu PAS deputy chief was accompanied by Barisan's former Pantai Kundor assemblyman Datuk Azman Hasan, who was helping canvass support for him.
Rafie said former Paya Rumput assemblyman Datuk Rais Yasin had also addressed numerous concerns raised by residents, with development projects initiated during his tenure still being implemented.
He said these efforts gave him a foundation to build on, although the constituency’s growing population was placing greater demands on infrastructure and public services.
“Many matters have been resolved, while development projects are ongoing.
“However, the increasing population means drainage, roads and public amenities must continue to receive attention,” he said.
Rafie said closer coordination between the state government and parliamentary representatives would help address outstanding issues and keep pace with residents’ changing needs.
“With good coordination between the state government and MP for Tangga Batu (Bakri Jamaluddin), we can bring forward the issues affecting the constituents,” he added.
Paya Rumput is within the Tangga Batu parliamentary constituency.
Rafie faces Pakatan Harapan’s Datuk Azman Abidin and Parti Bersama Malaysia’s Abdul Rashid Abu Bakar in a three-cornered contest in the state election.
The Election Commission has fixed Nov 14 as the polling day for Melaka polls.
