ALOR GAJAH: Up against a political heavyweight, Pakatan Harapan’s Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri is determined to turn Tanjung Bidara into a real contest.
Facing caretaker chief minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, the 38-year-old candidate acknowledged his underdog status but said he would approach the challenge professionally.
“The challenge of being an underdog is considerable and I have to be careful not to come across as too weak.
“We have to act professionally when facing such a prominent candidate here,” he said in an interview on Monday (Nov 2).
Mohd Yunazri said any assessment of victory or defeat would have to wait until voters delivered their verdict on Nov 14.
In the meantime, he is focusing on a manifesto rooted in local needs, avoiding unrealistic promises as he seeks support across the constituency.
He said his proposals would address the needs of different sections of the Tanjung Bidara voters
Mohd Yunazri said the first three days of campaigning had yielded encouraging responses from residents, although these were only preliminary indications.
“This includes the warm reception from residents of Taman Bidara Emas when I visited them today (Nov 2),” he said.
Mohd Yunazri has also acknowledged his opponent’s contributions to the constituency.
Speaking to the media after nomination on Saturday (Oct 31), Mohd Yunazri recognised the various efforts and initiatives undertaken by Ab Rauf to improve Tanjung Bidara folks' wellbeing.
Tanjung Bidara will witness a straight fight between Mohd Yunazri and Barisan Nasional’s Ab Rauf, 65, who is defending the seat in the 16th Melaka polls.
The Election Commission has set polling day on Nov 14.
