MELAKA: Pakatan Harapan Melaka chairman Adly Zahari has defended the coalition’s young candidate for the Kuala Linggi state seat, Mohammad Mukhlisul Mubin Julasapiyah.
The 25-year-old, better known as Muklis Mubin, has faced allegations of using his connections to the prime minister and misusing funds from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
Adly said Muklis Mubin and PH’s Klebang candidate Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir, 26, were among the young faces fielded by the coalition in the Melaka state election.
He said Muklis Mubin had been an active volunteer and was entitled to help the public by working with relevant agencies.
Adly said the candidate’s ties with the Prime Minister’s political secretary, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, stemmed from their friendship within the same party.
“Perhaps he sees potential in everything around him. That is why he is associated with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry when providing assistance.
“I think all elected representatives have networks, especially those in the government, to help resolve people’s problems.
“They (Gen Z) want swift action, responsiveness and the best solutions to community problems,” he said in a press conference after the PH Hi-Tea with the Melaka Media Practitioners Club (Pendika).
Also present were acting Melaka PKR chairman Adam Adli and Pendika chairman Amir Mamat.
Adly, who is also deputy defence minister, said he supported Muklis Mubin’s efforts but had reminded him to be prepared to accept criticism and understand the risks involved in every action.
On the negative perceptions of Gen Z, who are often labelled the “strawberry generation”, he said the label should not be used to judge the capabilities of young people.
He said Muklis Mubin and Farzana were examples of educated and knowledgeable young people capable of handling pressure, including criticism on social media.
“I reminded them that winning or losing is secondary. What matters most is their aspiration to serve the people and the community while they are still young,” he said.