Melaka polls: Bersatu wants more seats to strengthen opposition voice

Melaka: Bersatu Seeking More Seats to Boost Opposition Influence in State Legislative Assembly

Bersatu is aiming to secure as many of the seven contested seats in the upcoming Melaka election as possible, with the party's Information chief, Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, emphasizing the importance of a stronger opposition presence for effective checks and balances. The party is also targeting to retain its existing seats in Sungai Udang and Bemban.

Faisal highlighted that a robust opposition in the Melaka State Legislative Assembly would ensure healthy competition and enable the opposition to effectively scrutinize the government's actions.

While it's too early to predict the outcome, Bersatu is prepared to field capable candidates who can serve as effective checks and balances. The party remains open to collaboration with other parties, provided that such cooperation does not jeopardize their core principles. Regarding Pakatan Harapan's decision regarding the Bemban seat, Bersatu expressed willingness to cooperate and seek assistance from any party, as long as their principles are preserved.

Melaka comprises 28 state constituencies, with 79 candidates vying for these seats. Pakatan Harapan is fielding 24 candidates, Barisan Nasional has 23, Bersatu has 7, Perikatan Nasional has 5, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) has 1, and three candidates are contesting as Independents. A Bersatu source revealed that the party's decision to avoid contesting the Gadek seat was made to facilitate the Putra candidate, Laila Norinda Maon, without any technical or other reasons, driven by the spirit of camaraderie through the Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat movement.