AYER KEROH: Melaka has no place for slander or hate politics, as the state Barisan Nasional (BN) machinery gears up for the state election.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh called on coalition members to embrace harmonious politics and maintain good relations with all parties to win voters' support.
"Melaka is not a land of slander. Melaka is not a land of hate politics. Melaka is not a land of malicious politics.
"We conduct our affairs harmoniously and maintain good relations with everyone so that we can build a Melaka that is considerate towards its people," he said at the launch of BN's election machinery at the Melaka International Trade Centre.
Also present were BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Rauf, who is also caretaker chief minister, called on the coalition's machinery to carry the "BN Sayang Rakyat" message to win voters' support and secure a fresh mandate.
He said BN was prepared to let voters judge its track record, adding that the public deserved to know how far the coalition had delivered on its promises.
Rauf cautioned against focusing solely on economic figures, saying development must translate into job opportunities and tangible benefits for small businesses.
"What is the point of investment if Melaka's children still struggle to find work? What is the use of a growing economy if small traders do not benefit?" he said.
BN will contest 21 seats in the election, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) will contest the remaining seven under an electoral cooperation agreement.
In the 2021 election, BN won 21 of Melaka's 28 seats, while Pakatan Harapan secured five and PN two.
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