MELAKA: Pakatan Harapan campaign workers stepping up house visits in Melaka this weekend must respect the time and comfort of families preparing for Deepavali, says Melaka Pakatan chairman Adly Zahari.
Among the pledges they will be explaining to voters is the coalition's Aspirasi Melaka Rumah Kita housing offer, which Adly said would look after renters as well as first-time buyers.
Deepavali falls on Sunday (Nov 8), and Monday is a replacement holiday in Melaka.
Early voting is on Tuesday (Nov 10), with polling on Nov 14.
Adly said the coalition's machinery had been told to redouble its efforts over the weekend to reach more voters at home under its Get Out The Vote drive.
"Visits should be used to explain Pakatan's offer, listen to residents' questions and remind them about preparing to fulfil their responsibility on polling day.
"Workers must also respect the time and comfort of families who are preparing for Deepavali," he said at the coalition's daily press conference here on Saturday (Nov 7).
Citing the Statistics Department, Adly said 19.7% of households nationwide were renting their homes in 2024.
"The needs of renters must be given attention together with the aim of helping first-time homebuyers.
"Implementation in Melaka must take into account affordability, the condition of buildings and basic amenities so that families have safe housing options without taking on commitments beyond their means," he said.
Adly also extended Deepavali greetings to the Hindu community, especially the estimated 40,000 Indian voters in Melaka.
"To those returning to their hometowns, be careful on the roads and enjoy your time with your loved ones," Adly said.
He said welfare protection must respond to the real conditions of those in need, citing Statistics Department data showing Melaka's absolute poverty rate fell to 3.0% in 2024 from 4.2% in 2022.
"Even so, there are still households that need continuous support," he said.
He also said Pakatan's manifesto would strengthen mosques and surau as centres of education, welfare and the development of the ummah based on Maqasid Syariah, while respecting freedom of religion.
Adly, who is Pakatan's choice for chief minister, is defending Bukit Katil in a four-cornered fight.
