Pakatan’s red line in Melaka: No hate, no incitement, no race-baiting

Melaka, October 31 — The Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition has firmly declared its opposition to adopting a politics of hatred, incitement, and narrow racial narratives during the 16th Melaka state election campaign. PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who also serves as the Home Minister, stated that the coalition opted to emphasize the campaign under the theme 'Melaka Rumah Kita,' focusing on competing ideas, service records, and the welfare of the people.

Saifuddin Ismail emphasized that the election's outcome should not be determined by which party is the most vocal in stirring hostility, but rather by which party is most trusted to safeguard the community's fate.

The PH leader made it clear that their campaign would maintain a strict red line against hate politics, incitement, and ideas that suggest defending one's race requires suppressing other races. He asserted that such a race-focused narrative is wholly rejected. Saifuddin Ismail expressed their commitment to a peaceful election campaign, emphasizing that success should be measured by the level of trust and credibility rather than by the loudest voices.

The PH campaign has three core messages: to appreciate the festival of democracy by respecting differing opinions, to present policy proposals and demonstrate the ability to solve problems, and to launch a manifesto centered on job opportunities, living costs, and the future of the youth. Regarding the campaign's direction, Saifuddin Ismail clarified that the coalition will not engage in political speculation about post-election alignments; instead, they will focus on reaching out to all voters, including those outside their constituencies.

He noted that the out-of-constituency voter segment is accounted for in the electoral machinery's plans, and efforts are being made to ensure their participation in the voting process. The election is scheduled for November 14, with early voting taking place on November 10. For the most recent updates on the 16th Melaka polls, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/.