MELAKA: Political parties are gearing up for a crucial campaign weekend, with candidates stepping up ground engagements while the presence of senior leaders is still being finalised.
With Deepavali falling on Nov 8, parties are also factoring in the festive break as they prepare to consolidate support and reach undecided voters before early voting on Nov 10 and polling day on Nov 14.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who has been active on the ground since nomination day, said he would be around to campaign for all Barisan Nasional candidates over the weekend.
“We will do what we should do, focus and give our best to engage with the people,” he said.
Barisan incumbent for Kelebang, Datuk Lim Ban Hong, said his Deepavali ground engagements and visits had already begun way before the election campaign.
“I have been meeting the people on the ground. The festive period provides an opportunity to meet voters, listen to their concerns and share in the festive celebrations,” he said.
Lim, who is also Melaka MCA chairman, said party veterans and leaders from other states were here to support the candidates.
“We just stay focused and deliver our best,” he said.
Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said the party had yet to decide which of its top leaders would be campaigning in Melaka, with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin having court commitments this week.
State Pakatan Harapan deputy chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the party was still finalising which national leaders would be coming to Melaka, as some might return to their respective constituencies for Deepavali celebrations with their community members.
He said the coalition would continue its grassroots campaign through house-to-house visits and political talks, including kopitiam talk sessions.
“Party leaders and candidates will respect religious celebrations while joining the Indian community to celebrate Deepavali.
“Every day of the campaign is important, as some voters may only make their decisions at the final stage,” he said.
Prime Minister and Pakatan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, made a series of visits to Melaka yesterday, including several engagements with the people and Pakatan campaign events, but is not expected to be in the state over the weekend.
It is learnt that Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is expected to visit Melaka after Nov 10, while lawyer and political commentator Ang Woei Shang is expected to be in the state on Nov 13, a day before polling.
Ang has also been drawing attention to the proposed reduction in Chinese-language teaching periods at national-type Chinese primary schools under the 2027 primary school curriculum, an issue that has gained public attention recently.
Political analyst Dr Liew Wui Chern said the weekend was critical as parties expect voters to have more time to spend on campaign activities.
He said the major coalitions were likely to concentrate on strengthening their support base, identifying weaker constituencies and intensifying local-level campaigning.
“At this stage, parties already know roughly where they are competitive, so resources will increasingly be directed on marginal seats and voters who are not fully committed,” he said.
Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said Deepavali could temporarily affect campaign momentum as members of the Indian community prioritised family gatherings and religious celebrations.
However, he said the festive atmosphere also presented opportunities for political parties to strengthen community engagement through respectful cultural visits and personal interactions.
