MELAKA: Early voters heading to the polls should view their ballots as a vote of support for federal policies that delivered long-delayed civil service pay raises and stabilised the ringgit, says Pakatan Harapan chief minister candidate Adly Zahari.
Over 12,500 military and police personnel, along with their spouses, are registered for early voting on Nov 10.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday (Nov 9), the Melaka Pakatan Harapan chairman noted that early voters, many of whom are public servants, are directly affected by Federal Government policies.
"The administration under the Prime Minister has delivered on long-overdue promises, including salary increases," Adly said.
He recalled early fears that the ringgit would slump to RM5 against the US dollar, pointing out that it has since stabilised around RM4. He added that Malaysia has rebounded from the Covid-19 pandemic faster than several neighbouring economies.
"We hope early voters appreciate these achievements and support continuing these policies. We want a Malaysia that is not only stable and economically strong, but anchored in integrity and transparent governance," he said.
Adly added that Pakatan election workers are fully prepared for early polling following intensive training sessions, including in Bukit Katil, where he is defending his seat in a four-cornered fight ahead of polling day this Saturday (Nov 7).
Turning to local concerns in the campaign's second week, Adly highlighted persistent flooding in southern Melaka. He cited Sungai Rambai, where eight homes in Kampung Lancang remained submerged for nearly 20 days in October 2022 after the Sungai Kesang overflowed.
While welcoming the Sungai Rambai river rehabilitation and flood mitigation project announced in Budget 2027, Adly stressed that authorities must clearly communicate its scope, funding, and timeline to residents.
"The project's effectiveness must be measured by a reduction in affected areas, flood depth, and recession time," he said, calling for close coordination between federal agencies and the state government on drainage maintenance and development controls.
Adly noted that mitigating floods would also safeguard small businesses against damaged equipment and lost inventory. To further support small traders—particularly women—Pakatan's manifesto proposes targeted grants for equipment and stock, alongside training in digital marketing and cost management.
"Many small entrepreneurs still lack the knowledge to market their products online," he observed.
Pakatan has also pledged to expand public childcare centres tailored to working parents and shift workers, focusing on affordability, safety, convenient locations, and flexible operating hours.
Highlighting ground feedback across constituencies, Adly noted that Kelebang voters raised issues affecting fishermen and youth entrepreneurs, while Kuala Linggi residents cited stalled local development, cleanliness concerns, and poor waste management.
