JASIN – Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed allegations that its Rim candidate misused government premises and machinery during campaigning, describing them as excuses by parties desperate to gain an advantage in the Melaka state election.
He said he did not consider the matter a problem, pointing out that other political parties had also organised programmes attended by ministers and deputy ministers.
Zahid said all parties should conduct their campaigns properly and cleanly while respecting voters' choices instead of unnecessarily escalating issues.
“If a particular group feels desperate, they will look for all sorts of excuses and raise various issues.
“Yes, perhaps they are very desperate and I do not think this is something we need to make a big issue of,” he said at a press conference held in conjunction with the Mara Higher Education and TVET Roadshow 2026 at Dewan MPJ on Nov 3.
He was responding to a police report lodged by Pakatan Harapan (PH) against BN candidate for the Rim state seat, Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar, over allegations that she had used government premises and machinery while campaigning.
Zahid added that candidates should abide by the rules governing elections in a democratic country and avoid using such matters to create controversy during the campaign period.
“I hope we campaign properly and cleanly. The people have already made their respective choices. What matters is that on Nov 14, we will see where the support of voters in Melaka goes,” he said.
PH had earlier lodged a police report at the Jasin District Police Headquarters on Monday over allegations that Khaidirah had used the Rim Japerun Complex to hold a contribution presentation ceremony for about 30 recipients in conjunction with Deepavali.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Central Leadership Council member Siti Aishah Shaik Ismail alleged that the food baskets distributed at the programme carried Jasin Municipal Council labels.
She also claimed that a local authority officer was seen wearing clothing displaying the face of the Umno Jasin Deputy Division Chief.
PH further claimed that the complex should not have been used for politically related programmes following the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly.
Siti said the party had handed photographic evidence and video recordings to the police, adding that it would also submit relevant evidence to the Election Commission (EC) for further action.
PH is fielding Jasin PKR Women's Wing division chief Esma Eazreen Husin in Rim, where she will face Khaidirah in a straight contest.
The EC has set Nov 14 as polling day for the Melaka state election, while early voting will take place on Nov 10.