AYER KEROH: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed confidence that the BN-Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance can secure all 28 Melaka state seats, urging voters to turn their support into a “blue wave” when polls open this Saturday.
Speaking at the Kemas Pre-Tahfiz Grand Khatam and Digital Engagement ceremony at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Zahid seized on the light-blue stage backdrop to deliver an impromptu rallying call.
Addressing thousands of educators, community members and parents, Zahid said: “Look in front of us, at this board, at this slide — the blue is as brilliant and bright as the open sky. God willing, we will continue to turn the state of Melaka completely blue this coming Saturday.”
“I am not campaigning here, but this blue colour will illuminate all 28 Melaka state seats,” he added, before leading the crowd in chants of “Kita Geng Biru”.
A total of 79 candidates are contesting all 28 seats in the 16th Melaka election, comprising 11 straight fights, 11 three-cornered contests and six four-cornered battles.
Under an electoral pact, BN is contesting 23 seats, while its ally PN is fielding candidates in the remaining five, allowing the two coalitions to contest all 28 seats collectively.
They face competition from Pakatan Harapan (PH), which is contesting 24 seats, as well as Bersama (16), Bersatu (7), Putra (1) and independent candidates.
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the event, Zahid said the official campaign period was entering its final stretch, with less than 72 hours remaining before it ended at midnight on Nov 13.
“We have just half a day today, tomorrow, and the day after — under 72 hours until campaigning officially concludes at midnight on the 13th,” he said.
He thanked all contesting political parties for adhering to campaign ethics, saying the run-up to polling day had been exceptionally peaceful.
“I am grateful that all contesting parties have respected campaign ethics and maintained good decorum,” he said.
“Although the atmosphere has been very calm compared to previous state or by-elections, we hope that on voting day itself, no untoward incidents will occur. We have full confidence in the capabilities of our security forces and the diligence shown by the Election Commission.”
Zahid said BN and PN had presented an election manifesto featuring 113 pledges for Melaka voters, anchored on key pillars addressing the needs of all age groups, ethnicities, faiths, cultures and languages.
“Melaka has been governed well, and we hope voters will place their trust and support in the BN candidates we have fielded,” he said.