MELAKA: Barisan Nasional wants voters to judge the coalition by its track record in governing the state, rather than the rhetoric of its political rivals, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The state coalition chairman said Barisan’s campaign should centre on its service to the people, without resorting to incitement, hatred or slander.
“I am pleased that campaigning has been orderly and peaceful so far.
“We focus on Barisan’s record in administering the state over the past five years, without slandering others,” he said yesterday.
Ab Rauf, who is also caretaker Chief Minister, said voters should look beyond election campaigning to assess a party’s ability to govern and the effectiveness of its policies and initiatives.
He said the campaign guidelines appeared to have encouraged responsible conduct among the contesting parties.
“We urge voters not to be swayed by political incitement or hatred. Instead, they should assess what we delivered during our previous term in government,” he said.
Ab Rauf said Barisan would maintain a measured approach and focus on explaining its achievements to voters.
“Let others do what they will.
“We will speak about what we have done for the people and what they have gained from our administration.
“This continuity must be preserved so that we can pass on harmony and sustainability to future generations,” he said.
On fence-sitters, Ab Rauf, who is also state election director, said they should weigh the direction offered by each party seeking a mandate to govern Melaka.
He expressed hope that Barisan’s service record and delivery would guide their decision on polling day.
“They will assess what we delivered while administering the state.
“This cannot be a ‘wayang kulit’ (shadow play) performance.
“It must be a coordinated effort, with a director and every elected representative playing their part,” he said.
Ab Rauf cited the “Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat, Hebat” and “Jelajah Ketua Menteri Sayang Rakyat” programmes as initiatives through which his administration had reached out to voters to identify and address their problems.
He said these efforts reflected the work he wanted voters to consider when deciding the state’s future.
“Nov 14 is the people’s day.
“The power to build a bridge to the future lies in our hands.
“Hopefully, we can do so without condemning others,” he added.
