Melaka polls: High-profile seats to watch
Among the 28 state constituencies, 10 have attracted particular attention due to high-profile candidates, political rivalries and questions over voter acceptance, while another eight are being closely watched because of their narrow winning margins in the 2021 election.
MELAKA – Clashes involving prominent political figures, changes in candidates and closely fought constituencies are expected to shape the 16th Melaka state election, with several seats emerging as key battlegrounds ahead of polling on Nov 14.
Among the 28 state constituencies, 10 have attracted particular attention due to high-profile candidates, political rivalries and questions over voter acceptance, while another eight are being closely watched because of their narrow winning margins in the 2021 election.
In Tanjung Bidara, caretaker Chief Minister and Melaka Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh is seeking to defend his seat against Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Masjid Tanah branch secretary Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri, who is representing Pakatan Harapan (PH).
The constituency was also among the closest contests in 2021, when Ab Rauf secured victory with a majority of 364 votes.
Another closely watched contest is Merlimau, where Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh faces Melaka Amanah Women's chief Rahayu Hamzah. Akmal's position will be tested as he seeks to retain the seat.
In Duyong, incumbent Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem, popularly known as 'YB Viral', will defend his seat against PH candidate Poo Long Suan. The constituency, previously held by DAP, was won by Umno in 2021 with a majority of just 200 votes.
Klebang will see incumbent BN assemblyman and state MCA chairman Datuk Lim Ban Hong challenged by Tangga Batu PKR Youth chief Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir, Melaka Bersatu election director Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamed and Parti Bersama Malaysia’s (Bersama) Young Jie Yu, making it a multi-cornered contest.
In Durian Tunggal, BN is fielding Alor Gajah Umno division deputy chief Datuk Mustafa Musa to replace the previous incumbent. He faces Melaka Amanah chairman Datuk Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat.
Bukit Katil is another constituency drawing attention, with Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari initially expected to defend the seat.
In Serkam, Jasin Umno division deputy chief Datuk Azman Abdullah will face PH's Muhammad Faiq Azman and Bersama's Muhammad Saffie Md Yasan.
Sungai Udang is attracting attention following BN’s Datuk Rais Yasin's move from Paya Rumput to contest the seat. He faces Bersama candidate Mohd Ridzuan Abdul Rahman, as well Bersatu’s Abdullah Mahadi.
His candidacy will test voter acceptance of a politician contesting outside his previous constituency and the strength of BN's local machinery.
In Ayer Molek, Hang Tuah Jaya Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Ridhwan Mohd Ali is replacing former incumbent Datuk Rahmad Mariman. He faces PH candidate Muhammad Hakimin Mokhtar.
Machap Jaya completes the list, with incumbent BN assemblyman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem facing PKR Women's Information chief Datuk Ginie Lim Siew Lin and former Melaka PKR Youth chief Prasanth Kumar Brakasam, who is contesting under Bersama.
Beyond these high-profile contests, the election could also hinge on constituencies decided by narrow margins in 2021.
Pengkalan Batu recorded the closest victory among the eight highlighted seats, with BN's Umno candidate winning by 131 votes. Gadek and Durian Tunggal were each decided by 559 votes, while Paya Rumput recorded a majority of 629.
Other marginal seats include Bemban, won by PN's Bersatu with a majority of 328 votes; Sungai Udang, also won by PN with 530 votes and Duyong and Tanjung Bidara, which recorded majorities of 200 and 364 votes respectively.
These results highlights the importance of voter turnout, local campaign machinery and shifting support, particularly in mixed and suburban constituencies.
Sungai Udang's sizeable military and security personnel electorate also makes it a distinctive battleground, while Paya Rumput's growing residential areas and younger voters could influence its electoral dynamics.
The stakes are significant for all major coalitions.
BN is seeking to defend its strong performance in 2021, when it won 21 of the 28 seats, while PH will be looking to improve on its five-seat result. PN, which secured two seats in the previous election, will also be seeking to demonstrate its ability to retain and expand its support.
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.
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day, following the dissolution of the 28-seat State Legislative Assembly on Sept 23, with early voting on Nov 10. The 14-day campaign period will end at 11.59pm on Nov 13.
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