Campaign ‘flag war’ begins in Melaka as parties stretch limited election budgets

Melaka, on November 1, 2025, is witnessing a "flag war" as political parties vie for voter attention with limited election budgets. The 16th Melaka State Election is approaching on October 31, 2026, and party flags have been put up in urban areas like Kota Laksamana, Banda Hilir, Semabok, Duyong, Bukit Katil, and Ayer Molek. Flags representing Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional, Parti Bersama Malaysia, and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia adorn the roadsides.

Some parties are reusing flags from previous state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan to save costs. Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong stated that the reused flags were still in good condition, and they were used to inform voters about the contesting party's candidates in a particular area. The installation of PH flags in contested areas is carried out in stages at public hotspots.

BN candidate for Duyong state seat Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem shared that flags were sourced from friends in Negeri Sembilan and Johor due to the limited budget. The election will see 79 candidates contesting 28 state seats, with early voting on November 10 and polling day on November 14.