Najib's house arrest should not overshadow BN's Melaka performance, says Dira
The Rim incumbent says voters should assess BN's contributions over the past five years rather than allowing national political developments to dictate their choices
JASIN – National political issues, including former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's house arrest, should not overshadow the performance of Barisan Nasional (BN) representatives at the state level when voters decide their choices in the 16th Melaka state election.
BN incumbent Rim assemblywoman Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar, better known as Dira, said voters should assess BN's performance over the past five years based on its efforts and contributions to the people rather than allowing national political developments to dictate their decisions.
She expressed confidence that national-level controversies would not have a significant impact on BN's electoral prospects in Melaka.
"I believe voters can see for themselves how all BN state representatives in Melaka have worked wholeheartedly for the people.
"We have done our best over the past five years and I hope voters will recognise and value our efforts based on our work at the state level rather than being influenced entirely by national political issues.
"Insya-Allah, the political history of 2018 will not be repeated, as national issues should remain at the national level.
"While I cannot say that the sentiments surrounding certain unnecessary or unfavourable issues will have no impact on BN's chances, I believe they will not affect us significantly," she said.
She was responding to a question on whether national-level issues, particularly the court decision allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest, could affect BN's campaign in Melaka.
Dira said this when met by Sinar Daily at BN's PDM Simpang Kerayong operations room in Jasin this evening.
On Nov 10, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Najib could serve the remainder of his prison sentence in the SRC International case under house arrest at his Langgak Duta residence, with immediate effect.
The decision became a national political issue during the Melaka election campaign, with its potential impact on BN's electoral prospects becoming a subject of discussion.
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 all 28 state constituencies, with a coalition requiring at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government.
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