ALOR GAJAH: Barisan Nasional’s "Melaka Sayang Rakyat" (Melaka loves the people) concept has encouraged voters to look beyond ethnicity when choosing representatives, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The state Barisan chairman said the acceptance of MIC candidate S. Nadarajah in the Malay-majority Gadek seat reflected the spirit of unity promoted through the concept.
He described the constituency as an example of how cooperation across communities could translate into support for Barisan in the Melaka state election.
"This is the only seat being contested by MIC and its candidate has been well received despite the majority of voters being Malay," he said after visiting the Gadek and Rembia Barisan operations centres here on Thursday (Nov 5).
"Our joint efforts with our strategic partners show a sense of togetherness in working towards victory.
"We want Gadek to be a good example of this consensus."
Ab Rauf, who is also caretaker Chief Minister, said Barisan’s machinery and its strategic partners were working together to secure the seat for Nadarajah.
He said campaign activities in Gadek had been carefully planned for the remaining stretch, with support teams from outside the state also helping to reach voters.
"I see the campaign in Gadek progressing very well and there are no issues involving hate politics, incitement or slander.
"We are campaigning on what we have done for the locals, particularly in Gadek, and the problems we have resolved through the 'Wakil Rakyat untuk Rakyat' (people's representatives for the people) programme," he said.
Ab Rauf said all campaign teams were working hard to ensure that Barisan’s service record was conveyed to voters ahead of polling day.
The Election Commission has set Tuesday (Nov 10) for early voting and Nov 14 for polling, with campaigning ending at 11.59pm on Nov 13.
