Adam Adli hits out at overconfident politicians ahead of Melaka polls

BUKIT BERUANG – Melaka Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chairman Adam Adli Abdul Halim has criticised politicians who appear overly confident about their chances of winning the state election, saying such an attitude reflects poorly on candidates seeking voters' support.

Reflecting on the first seven days of campaigning, Adam said some politicians seemed convinced they were always right, describing this as an inappropriate approach for anyone contesting an election.

He was responding to remarks by Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders who had urged Pakatan Harapan (PH) not to waste its time or money contesting the state election.

Adam, who is also Hang Tuah Jaya Member of Parliament and Deputy Higher Education Minister, said PH would not be distracted by such political remarks but would instead focus on engaging voters and reaffirming its commitment to serving them.

He also rejected claims that PH had changed, made too many compromises or abandoned its principles, insisting that the coalition's values and approach remained consistent.

“We know where we started and who has supported us throughout the years. We did not emerge from a large political organisation with substantial financial resources to sponsor all our candidates.

“Instead, we have always depended on the support of our supporters and hoped that our candidates would be accepted not because they are influential figures, but because they have big hearts.

“We are maintaining the same approach throughout this campaign and will not resort to making our opponents' candidates look bad. I do not believe that is the kind of politics we should practise,” he said during a PH talk in Bukit Beruang, Melaka, last night.

Adam acknowledged that the election could be challenging but stressed that PH had a responsibility to fulfil regardless of the outcome.

He said every vote received by the coalition represented support for its reform agenda, regardless of whether its candidates managed to secure the seats they contested.

“Whatever attacks, accusations or political criticism we face, I believe we should not be distracted by them but remain focused on our mission.

“We know our responsibility is to protect, preserve and ensure that the next generation inherits a Melaka and Malaysia that are fair, equal and open to everyone,” he said.

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 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 Perikatan Nasional (PN) with two.