KOTA BARU: Parti Wawasan Negara is targeting victory in the Kesidang and Bemban state seats in the Nov 14 Melaka election.
Its vice-president Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan said the party would field candidates in both constituencies, with Kesidang presenting an opportunity to challenge DAP’s longstanding hold on the seat.
He said although DAP had won the constituency in several consecutive elections, more than 14,000 voters had stayed away from the polls in the previous state election.
He claimed a significant number of them were Malays, whose low turnout had contributed to DAP retaining the seat.
“We hope the Malays will come together and turn out in large numbers this time to reject DAP as a sign of dissatisfaction with its weaknesses in governing Putrajaya,” he said.
On Bemban, Wan Saiful, who is also the Tasek Gelugor member of parliament, said Wawasan was aiming to retain the seat held by incumbent Dr Yadzil Yaakob, who had served as state opposition leader in the previous term.
He said Yadzil had a good track record and enjoyed strong support among voters, giving the party confidence in its chances of retaining the constituency.
Wan Saiful also called on all Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional candidates to work together and set aside their differences to secure victory.
“We are entering this election as one united front. Whatever differences in opinion we may have, we must put them aside and preserve our unity.
“We must ensure strong cooperation among us so that we can win Melaka and use this victory as a stepping stone towards capturing Putrajaya,” he said.
He reminded candidates that being nominated was not merely an honour but a major responsibility entrusted to them.
“As candidates, you must serve the people to the best of your ability,” he said.
Wawasan will contest two of the five seats allocated to PN in the Melaka election.
The Election Commission has set November 14 as polling day, while early voting will take place on November 10.