MELAKA, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- The challenge of contesting the Tanjung Bidara state seat as an ‘underdog’, against incumbent Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh, has not dampened Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri's determination to pull off a surprise in the 16th Melaka state election on Nov 14.
The Masjid Tanah Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) protem secretary said he was optimistic and would give his best, including mobilising the entire party machinery to wrest the Tanjung Bidara seat, which is widely regarded as a BN stronghold.
“On paper, our chances may seem rather slim, but it is not impossible for us. The contest is still evenly matched. All we need to do is work hard in this election and uphold democracy in the Tanjung Bidara constituency.
“Alhamdulillah, our machinery remains firmly behind me in terms of preparations. Insya-Allah, we are not afraid to fight. In fact, the support from PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as well as the party's leadership, has further boosted our morale as we campaign in Tanjung Bidara,” he said.
Yunazri, who is making his electoral debut, told reporters this after being announced as the PH candidate for the Tanjung Bidara state seat at the nomination centre in Dewan Datuk Kapt (B) Hj Ab Karim, Japerun Tanjung Bidara Complex, in Alor Gajah here today.
The 36-year-old automotive manufacturing engineer will go up against Ab Rauf, the incumbent, who won the seat in the 15th Melaka state election in a three-cornered contest with a majority of 364 votes.
Asked what he was offering voters in Tanjung Bidara, Yunazri said he did not rule out the possibility that his status as a young candidate could give him a slight advantage.
“Based on the results of the previous election, most young candidates were supportive of PH... and not the current party (BN). So, I believe there is a chance of winning, Insya-Allah,” he said.
Elaborating further, Yunazri said that if given the mandate by voters in the Tanjung Bidara state constituency, his main focus would be on youth development, as well as bringing policies that had benefited the people at the federal level to the constituency.
“We will also strengthen initiatives and programmes under the Digital Village framework, while ensuring that local youths are given up to 30 per cent opportunities to participate in local authority projects,” he said.
The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, while early voting will be held on Nov 10.
For the latest news on the 16th Melaka state election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/
-- BERNAMA