MELAKA: Without powerful party machinery or lavish campaign budgets, the three independent candidates in the Melaka election are banking on community ties and practical solutions to win over voters.
They hope their track records of community involvement and willingness to address local concerns will help them compete against candidates backed by established political parties.
Abu Bakar Sabudin, 65, who is contesting in Bukit Katil, said he was financing his campaign entirely from his savings, declining offers of financial assistance from friends.
“Several friends offered to contribute, but I declined. I have enough to contest and see no reason to take their money.”
Abu Bakar faces incumbent Datuk Seri Adly Zahari of Pakatan Harapan, Muhammad Ridzuan Mohd Sarif of Perikatan Nasional and Dr Aliza Che Amran of Parti Bersama Malaysia in a four- cornered contest.
Abu Bakar has lived in Bukit Katil since 1996 and has organised community activities, including bowling and sepak takraw competitions, as well as identified flash floods and storm damage to homes as pressing concerns.
Contesting under the key symbol, Abu Bakar said he had yet to consider supporting any political bloc should the election produce no clear majority.
“The important thing now is to win the hearts of the people first,” he said.
In Bemban, Abd Halim Said, 58, acknowledged the uphill battle facing independent candidates but remained determined to reach voters personally.
“An independent candidate has only about a 1% chance of winning, while there is a 90% likelihood of losing.
“But I will continue going to the ground to secure as many votes as possible, and hopefully victory will be on my side.”
He faces incumbent Dr Yadzil Yaakub of Perikatan, Rabaie Ab Hamid of Bersatu and Dr Solehin Saleh (Bersama) in another four-cornered contest.
Affectionately known as Cikgu Halim because he manages a kindergarten, the father of nine said he preferred practical solutions over promises he might struggle to fulfil.
“I can use diplomacy and work with government agencies to help residents resolve their problems.”
Abd Halim’s priorities include recurring floods and complaints over the disappearance of Kampung Tehil from residents’ addresses following a digital village project.
Abd Halim, who is contesting under the durian symbol and has lived in Kampung Tehil since 2001, said he would support any administration committed to serving the people.
In Sungai Rambai, independent candidate Norrizan Jantan, 59, is contesting under the diamond symbol against Barisan Nasional’s Jezlee Pit and Pakatan’s Aminuddin Abdul Jalil.
A Sungai Rambai native, Norrizan said his longstanding ties with villagers gave him a close understanding of the community.
He recalled meeting friends at a warung in Pekan Batu Gajah, where they exchanged views about local concerns.
“Every opinion and suggestion shared will motivate me to continue working towards a better Sungai Rambai.”
