MELAKA: Perikatan Nasional's Muhammad Ridzuan Mohd Sarif is taking no chances in Bukit Katil despite welcoming former Bersatu members’ backing for Muafakat Melaka in the final stretch of campaigning.
The 42-year-old PAS candidate said he would continue reaching out to voters until campaigning ends, following Wednesday night’s (Nov 11) announcement by 150 Hang Tuah Jaya Bersatu members that they were leaving the party and supporting Barisan Nasional.
"I still have to work hard to woo voters despite the (development with Bersatu members)," he said in an interview on Thursday (Nov 12).
Ridzuan faces incumbent Adly Zahari of Pakatan Harapan, Bersama's Dr Aliza Che Amran and independent candidate Abu Bakar Sabudin in a four-cornered contest in the Melaka state election.
Adly, a former Melaka chief minister, is seeking a third term after winning the seat in 2018 and retaining it in the 2021 state election.
Earlier, former Hang Tuah Jaya Bersatu deputy chief Md Firdaus Mashor said the group’s exit from the party was with immediate effect.
Firdaus, who also relinquished his position as Melaka Bersatu information secretary, said the decision was driven by the need for political stability, mature leadership and an administration focused on development and public welfare.
He said Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s "Rumah Bangsa" initiative had also influenced the move.
Firdaus described Barisan as a more suitable platform for continuing their community service and expressed his intention to support its candidates in this state election and the next general election.
Those leaving include Hang Tuah Jaya Bersatu committee members and members from the Padang Jambu, Batu Hampar, Pasir Puteh, Paya Dalam, Bukit Baru Dalam and Kandang branches.
Muafakat Melaka brings together Barisan and Perikatan in the Melaka polls.
The Election Commission has set Saturday (Nov 14) as polling day.
