ALOR GAJAH, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh is banking on his administrative experience and track record in leading the state government to retain the Tanjung Bidara seat and maintain Melaka as a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold in the 16th Melaka State Election.
Ab Rauf, who is defending the seat he won in the previous state election, hopes voters will consider these factors before casting their ballots on Nov 14.
He said experience and competence were important qualities for candidates entrusted with managing a diverse population comprising people of all ages.
“In the democratic arena here in Melaka, we welcome all candidates, whether young or old. However, when it comes to managing society, experience serves as a benchmark for our competence in carrying out the trust placed in us.
“It is not that young candidates cannot serve, but they must possess solid experience. A candidate must combine experience with competence, as we are managing a population that spans all age groups—from the youth to the elderly.
”Therefore, these two aspects are crucial for sound administrative management,” he told reporters after being announced as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Tanjung Bidara seat at the nomination centre at the Tanjung Bidara Japerun Complex in Alor Gajah today.
Ab Rauf will face a straight fight against Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri, who is making his electoral debut.
In the 15th Melaka State Election, Ab Rauf won the seat in a three-cornered contest, defeating PH candidate Zainal Hassan and Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin with a majority of 364 votes.
BN has held the Tanjung Bidara seat since the constituency was first established in the 11th Melaka State Election in 2004.
The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 10 for early voting and Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka State Election.
For the latest updates on the 16th Melaka State Election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/
-- BERNAMA