MELAKA: Melaka Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has urged parties contesting next month's state election to avoid political slander.
Rauf, who is also Melaka chief minister, said he welcomed the democratic process but stressed that contesting parties must observe certain limits during campaigning to avoid divisions within the community.
"They are welcome to come to Melaka. I welcome the state election as a platform for democratic politics, but they must never resort to slander, incitement or hate politics.
"I urge everyone to campaign in a healthy electoral environment. Let us show that Melaka is a state that values harmony and fellowship," he said at the launch of the BN campaign machinery for the Hang Tuah Jaya parliamentary constituency last night.
Also present was Hang Tuah Jaya Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Ridhwan Mohd Ali.
Meanwhile, Rauf said his administration had worked tirelessly to develop Melaka to bring it on par with other developed states.
"We must remember that achieving success is no easy feat. It requires sacrifice and a determination to keep moving forward.
"Last year, Melaka attracted RM14.8 billion in investments, a figure not achieved in the state in the past 20 years.
This was made possible by the team of state executive council members under my leadership, which I believe is the best," he said.
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the Melaka state election, with nominations scheduled for Oct 31 and early voting on Nov 10.
The 2021 Melaka state polls saw BN win 21 of the 28 seats contested, enabling it to form the state government, while Pakatan Harapan won five seats and Perikatan Nasional two.
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