Pix by Asyraf Hamzah
MELAKA: The ability to deliver the best possible service to the people should be the main consideration when choosing which political party to support, rather than campaigns driven by hatred, provocation or slander.
Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh said the mandate and power obtained through the democratic process came from the people, and every party should therefore field leaders who were trustworthy and had a proven track record of serving the community.
He said while every party naturally sought to increase public support, such efforts must be backed by quality leadership and services that addressed the needs of the people.
He said all political party machinery contesting the 16th Melaka election should also campaign rationally by presenting their respective ideologies and approaches without resorting to provocation, hatred or slander.
“Melaka has reached a reasonable level of political maturity. There is no need to provoke people or pursue an agenda of hatred or slander to show that we are better than others.
“Melaka has its own customs and values, and its people are known for their good manners. I hope the people of Melaka know what is best for them,” he told reporters after an exclusive interview on Podcast Utama Buletin TV3.
Rauf said voters were capable of assessing which party could deliver better services based on their experiences with elected representatives who had served them.
He said the power entrusted to leaders through democracy must be returned to the people through public service, in keeping with the principle of government by the people, for the people and in their interests.
“My view is that we must serve the people because the power that puts us on the democratic platform comes from them. We must return that power to the people through our service.
“By the people, for the people and in the interest of the people of Melaka. There is no other state. Where else could it be? It is Melaka,” he said.