Dira hopeful BN-PN can secure 25 seats in Melaka

JASIN – Barisan Nasional (BN) incumbent Rim assemblywoman Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar is hopeful that the BN-Pakatan Nasional (PN) alliance can secure up to 25 of the 28 seats in the Melaka state election, in line with a prediction by political analyst Ong Kian Ming.

Khaidirah, better known as Dira, said the coalition had worked hard throughout the 12-day campaigning period and remained optimistic about its prospects, although the actual outcome would only be known after polling on Nov 14.

"As for the analyst's prediction that BN-PN could win 25 out of the 28 seats, Amin, Insya-Allah.

"That is certainly our hope and aspiration. We have worked hard throughout the campaign, but we will have to wait until Nov 14 to see the outcome," she told Sinar Daily.

Dira also urged voters, particularly those living outside Melaka, to return to their constituencies on polling day to fulfil their responsibility and support BN candidates.

She said the campaign was entering its final stretch, with the coalition making every effort to reach as many voters as possible before polling day.

"Alhamdulillah, we are now on the 12th day of campaigning for the state election, and we are making every effort during the final stretch to reach as many voters as possible.

"Since my constituency is a rural area, we have to be creative in our engagement strategies to attract voters while maintaining a strong presence on social media. I hope all voters will return to Melaka on Nov 14 to cast their votes for BN," she added.

She said this when met by Sinar Daily at BN's PDM Simpang Kerayong operations room in Jasin this evening.

Former DAP leader and political analyst Ong Kian Ming had previously predicted that BN could increase its 2021 Melaka state election tally of 21 seats to between 24 and 25 in the upcoming polls.

In his Oct 13 assessment, Ong said BN could potentially capture one or two seats from Pakatan Harapan (PH), including Bukit Katil and Ayer Keroh.

He attributed BN's prospects to its electoral momentum and cooperation with Pas, while identifying PH's inconsistent position on future political alliances as a factor that could create confusion among voters.

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 on Nov 10. The 14-day campaigning period will end at 11.59pm on Nov 13.

A total of 79 candidates are contesting the 28 state constituencies, with a coalition requiring at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government.