JASIN - New candidates representing Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the 16th Melaka State Election should be given the opportunity to prove their capabilities, despite the challenges of being the underdogs.
PKR Central Leadership Council member Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the emergence of new faces in elections was not merely a strategy to highlight younger candidates, but instead paves the way for leadership renewal and the unearthing of new talents at the state level.
"The perception that the political arena is dominated solely by long-established leaders must be set aside by giving new individual the opportunity to step forward.
"Therefore, this opportunity for rejuvenation, allowing new faces to step forward, need to be highlighted with genuine commitment,” he told reporters during the ‘Ziarah Kasih’ programme with the PH candidate for the Rim state seat, Esma Eazreen Husin, in Chenderah here today.
Akmal Nasrullah said that PKR leaders from Johor were also taking turns to assist with the campaign in the Rim constituency, focusing specifically on the constituency to ensure the candidate’s activities run smoothly throughout the campaign period.
Commenting on Esma Eazreen’s chances in the constituency, he said her advantage as a local candidate, coupled with her close family ties with the local community, are among the strengths that could help her garner voters’ support.
He said the PH candidate, who is taking on the incumbent, had shown positive progress throughout the campaign, especially through a healthy approach to campaigning and efforts to engage directly with voters.
"Although she is not a prominent name in politics, her background as a local has clearly opened up opportunities for her.
"We can see the momentum is beginning to build, and I am confident that if we make good use of the opportunities available, run a positive campaign and highlight her determination and commitment to giving the people of Rim a voice, she stands a good chance here,” he added.
Esma Eazreen faces a straight fight against Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar for the Rim state seat.
Polling day for the Melaka election is on Nov 14, with early voting on Nov 10. - BERNAMA