MELAKA: Residents care about the little things, from ensuring exercise areas are well lit to making everyday public services more accessible.
Barisan Nasional candidate for Kota Laksamana Melvin Chua believes elected representatives must address ground-level concerns while tackling broader community issues.
A Melaka Historic City Council councillor since 2016, Chua said his decade of experience has given him a strong understanding of residents’ needs and how to work with government agencies to resolve problems in Kota Laksamana.
“For example, we see many elderly people living alone in our community. We need to give our senior citizens a stable and secure life,” he said in an interview.
If elected, the 48-year-old plans to set up a working team within 100 days to assist senior citizens, particularly those living alone, with everyday matters such as using digital services to pay utility bills and arranging home visits for those unable to go out.
Chua also cited inadequate lighting at an exercise area residents use every morning and traffic congestion as issues he wanted to address.
He hopes to make Kota Laksamana more tourist-friendly by improving infrastructure while creating more job and business opportunities, particularly for young people.
Meanwhile, Pakatan Harapan candidate and incumbent Low Chee Leong said he was not taking voters’ support for granted.
Seeking a third term, Low said the changing political landscape meant he could not rely on Kota Laksamana’s reputation as a DAP stronghold.
He said he would continue to prioritise public welfare and infrastructure development.
He hoped to see new projects that would help turn Kota Laksamana into a new commercial hub for the historic city.
“Kota Laksamana’s position in the city centre requires more comprehensive development planning, regardless of which party forms the state government,” he added.
On the other hand, first-time candidate Ethan Lim Zhi Hao of Parti Bersama Malaysia is proposing a technology-driven approach to public services and a diversified local economy.
The 35-year-old robotics and coding coach wants to simplify government services, including exploring the integration of multiple applications into a single platform.
He also proposed using technology to improve complaint management and traffic planning.
Lim said neighbourhood issues such as drainage, cleanliness and road maintenance should be addressed through regular upkeep rather than having repairs “tied to election cycles”.
He also wants Melaka to attract more manufacturing firms and small and medium enterprises, while encouraging businesses to establish offices in the state instead of Kuala Lumpur, where rental costs are higher.
Kota Laksamana sees a three-cornered contest involving Chua, Low and Lim, with polling set for Nov 14 following early voting tomorrow.
