DUYONG – Barisan Nasional (BN) incumbent Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem has urged voters to turn out in large numbers on Nov 14, warning that assumptions about the coalition's electoral strength could lead to complacency and affect the outcome of the Melaka state election.
Helmy said claims that certain areas had already been won or that Melaka had turned "blue" must translate into actual votes on polling day, stressing that voter turnout remained a key concern.
"Certainly, this election is very important. While we may hear various claims that one side has won in certain areas or that Melaka has already turned 'blue', we must ensure that these claims translate into votes on polling day.
"Our main concern at the administrative level is not necessarily about winning or losing, but the possibility that voters may become too comfortable and assume there is no need to turn up at the polls.
"Therefore, I urge everyone to work together to ensure strong voter turnout on Nov 14. We must cast our ballots early and encourage our family members, friends and neighbours to fulfil their responsibility by voting," he said on Monday, Nov 9.
It's a straight fight in Duyong between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH), with Helmy urging voters to avoid divisions that could split support, particularly among Malay voters.
He warned that such divisions would put them at a disadvantage and could result in them having to share power with PH at the federal level.
"Fortunately, we have secured a place in the administration, allowing us to serve as a check and balance, not for our own interests but to safeguard the survival and livelihood of the Malays alongside us.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to the campaign machinery of BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN), which will undoubtedly continue working hard throughout the remaining campaign period to encourage voter turnout and ensure that all candidates fielded by both coalitions emerge victorious," he said.
Duyong is among the 18 seats allocated to Umno under BN's 23-seat Melaka election slate, which also comprises four MCA candidates and one MIC candidate. Under the BN-PN seat-sharing arrangement, PN is not contesting the constituency.
Helmy is defending the seat in a straight fight against PH candidate Poo Long Suan of DAP.
In the 2021 state election, Helmy narrowly defeated then-incumbent assemblyman Damian Yeo Shen Li of PH-DAP by a majority of just 200 votes.
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election. Nomination day was held on Oct 31, while early voting is scheduled for Nov 10.
A total of 79 candidates are contesting the 28 state constituencies. A coalition needs at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government, while 19 seats are required for a two-thirds majority.
In the previous state election in 2021, BN won 21 seats, followed by PH with five and PN with two.