MELAKA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) is confident it can break Barisan Nasional's (BN) dominance in Melaka in the upcoming state election, citing past shifts in voter support.
PH national election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said claims that Melaka voters would continue to support BN regardless of the campaign efforts did not necessarily reflect how they would vote on polling day.
He said PH believed voters could assess the state administration's performance and make decisions based on their interests, creating room for political change.
"Some people say we can hold 1,000 Rahmah Sales or bring the prime minister here as often as we like, but they remain convinced voters will still choose BN.
"As PH's national election director, I am confident Melaka can change by voting for PH in this election," he said.
He was speaking at PH's candidate announcement and election machinery launch at Stadium Hang Jebat in Krubong tonight.
Amirudin, who is also Selangor Menteri Besar, said previous election results showed that political support in Melaka was not fixed and could change according to voters' considerations.
He said PH's success in forming the state government after the 14th General Election in 2018, with Adly Zahari appointed chief minister, showed that Melaka voters had previously chosen the coalition to lead the state.
However, he said the Sheraton Move led to a change in the state government, before BN regained control in the 2021 state election.
The 15th General Election in 2022 again showed a shift in support, with PH winning all parliamentary seats in Melaka, he added.
"Previously, many said Melaka would never change, no matter what was said or done, and that voters would still choose BN.
"After 2018, the people of Melaka showed their wisdom in making decisions," he said.
Amirudin said PH wanted to make Melaka a shared home for all its people, regardless of background or the interests of any particular group.
He said the coalition aimed to ensure that the state's development benefited the entire community, forming the basis of its bid for voters' support in the coming election.
"What PH wants to do is ensure that Melaka is a home for all the people of the state," he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
