Supporters out by 7am as Melaka candidates file their papers

More than 200 supporters of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition gathered in Paya Rumput to rally behind their candidate, Datuk Azman Abidin, for the upcoming 16th Melaka state election. PH election director, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, joined these supporters at Hang Jebat Stadium to lend his support to Azman.

Resident Jun Lye Chye Yoon, 51, expressed her trust in Azman due to his close working relationship with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. She believed that the constituency required someone with Azman's level of access and experience, especially considering his role in working closely with the prime minister. Research officer Yogeswary S. Veloo, 55, echoed similar sentiments. Her confidence in Azman stemmed from her firsthand exposure to his work ethic and ability to fulfill his responsibilities.

Azman, who also serves as the political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is contesting the N.13 Paya Rumput seat, where he will face three other candidates. These opponents include Pas candidate Rafie Ahmad and Bersatu's Abdul Rashid Abu Bakar. Azman's decision to contest in Melaka was driven by his desire to contribute to the state, which has ties to his family's roots. Despite this being his first election contest, Azman saw it as an opportunity to serve the state.

In the 2021 state election, BN's Datuk Rais Yasin won the Paya Rumput seat with a majority of 629 votes, collecting 6,830 votes. PH's Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin secured the second position with 6,201 votes, while PN's Muhammad Faris Izwan Mazlan garnered 3,972 votes. Notably, Rais will not defend the Paya Rumput seat in this election and has instead been assigned to Sungai Udang. Voting takes place on Nov 14, while early voting will occur on Nov 10.