MELAKA – Perikatan Nasional (PN) Bukit Katil candidate Muhammad Ridzuan Mohd Sarif is optimistic about securing victory in the 16th Melaka state election, believing that cooperation between PN and Barisan Nasional (BN), coupled with encouraging support from local communities, could strengthen their chances.
The Pas newcomer said the political cooperation between the two coalitions, established at the leadership level, had created strong prospects for victory in Bukit Katil, while reflecting growing calls among the electorate for political change.
"Regarding the election and my candidacy for the Bukit Katil seat, I believe the unity between PN and BN, established at the top leadership level, gives us strong potential to secure victory here.
“I also believe the people and local communities are hoping for political change this time around.
“Throughout our walkabouts and campaign activities, I have received encouraging support from the local community, particularly in Bukit Katil, for which I am truly grateful, Alhamdulillah,” he told Sinar Daily at Melaka Hospital, today.
However, Ridzuan said his confidence was also based on the state government's track record, including its reported achievement of implementing 97 per cent of its 2021 election manifesto.
He also pointed to the new state manifesto which outlines six key pillars and 113 initiatives, saying these reflected the administration's commitment to continuing its development agenda.
He believes the people remain confident in the existing state government and wish to give it another mandate.
Ridzuan also backed former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin's assertion that the BN-PN cooperation could serve as a stepping stone towards capturing Putrajaya in the 16th General Election (GE16).
"I also fully agree with Khairy's statement.
“The partnership between these two major political parties presents strong potential and I sincerely hope that its success in Melaka will pave the way for an even stronger performance in the next general election,” he said.
Separately, Ridzuan said he had visited Melaka Hospital at noon to see three friends who had reportedly been involved in accidents and faced health problems.
He said they were among his constituents whom he had a responsibility to look after, while expressing hope for their speedy recovery.
The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, following the dissolution of the 28-seat State Legislative Assembly on Sept 23.
Nomination day was held on Oct 31, while early voting took place today. The 14-day campaigning period will end at 11.59pm on Nov 13.
A total of 79 candidates are contesting all 28 state constituencies, with a coalition requiring at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government. A two-thirds majority requires 19 seats.
In the previous state election in 2021, BN won 21 seats, followed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) with five and PN with two.