ALOR GAJAH: Claims that Barisan Nasional candidates are facing rejection in four constituencies are only mere views of political rivals, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The state Barisan chairman said people should consider who were making the allegations against the candidates for Kuala Linggi, Pantai Kundor, Kelebang and Ayer Molek.
“We have to accept all views and feedback, but we must look at the source as well. If they come from political opponents, they will certainly paint a negative picture,” he said after visiting the Barisan election operations centres in Gadek and Rembia.
Ab Rauf, who is also the coalition’s state election director, expressed confidence that Barisan could overcome problems arising during the campaign period.
He said so far, Barisan’s machinery in the four constituencies received positive responses.
In Kuala Linggi, Barisan incumbent Datuk Rosli Abdullah faces a three-cornered contest against Pakatan Harapan’s Mukhlis Mubin and Parti Bersama Malaysia’s Dr Nur Farhana Hamzah.
In Pantai Kundor, Barisan’s Datuk Tuminah Kadi is defending the seat against Bersatu’s Datin Seri Dr Asmah Samat.
Kelebang sees a four-cornered contest involving Barisan’s Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Bersatu’s Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad, Bersama’s Young Jie Yu and Pakatan’s Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir.
In Ayer Molek, Barisan has fielded newcomer Datuk Mohd Ridhwan Mohd Ali against Pakatan’s Muhammad Hakimin Mokhtar.
On another matter, Ab Rauf said Barisan’s “Melaka Sayang Rakyat” concept has encouraged voters to look beyond race when choosing their representatives.
He said the acceptance of MIC candidate S. Nadarajah in 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 election.
“This is the only seat being contested by MIC and its candidate has been well received despite the majority of voters being Malay.”
