Chinese voters tight-lipped on support as Melaka election nears

In Melaka, a state election is approaching on November 14, and Chinese voters are expected to participate. However, many are hesitant to specify whom they will vote for, due to concerns over low turnout within their community. Local residents in Bandar Hilir and Ayer Keroh expressed voting as a civic obligation. Many, like Lee, a voter from Bandar Hilir, have even arranged for their children to return to Melaka from Singapore to cast their votes.

Lee emphasized the importance of reminding their children that voting is their responsibility and encouraging them to make an informed decision.

Similar sentiments were shared by Chan, an eatery owner from Ayer Keroh, who stated that their duty is to vote for someone capable of assisting the residents. In the lead-up to the Johor state election in July, concerns over Chinese voter turnout had been mounting. Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming estimated that 61% of Chinese voters in Johor had cast their ballots, compared to 75.5% of Malay voters.

Ong noted that Chinese voter turnout in Johor had dropped by approximately eight percentage points since the previous election. Consequently, Pakatan Harapan (PH) received the support of only 52.2% of eligible Chinese voters, while Barisan Nasional (BN) had the backing of 64.1% of eligible Malay voters, according to Ong.

Political analyst Bridget Welsh observed that voter turnout in the Negeri Sembilan state election held in August was 62%, which is three percentage points higher than in Johor. While the interviewed residents confirmed their intention to vote, they were more cautious about disclosing their candidate preferences. Chin, a 77-year-old voter from Bandar Hilir, mentioned that his previous support was for Pakatan Harapan incumbent Leng Chau Yen but had yet to decide for this election.

He praised Leng for helping resolve issues in their apartment block, such as faulty lifts and water leaks. Ling, a 45-year-old voter from Duyong, expressed uncertainty about his choice but spoke positively about the Barisan Nasional (BN) incumbent Noor Helmy Abdul Halem, noting that he would show up at the door promptly when called.

Khoo, an 88-year-old resident of Ujong Pasir, appeared more settled in his decision, citing Pakatan Harapan's commitment to addressing the needs of elderly residents. Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs suggested that the reluctance to reveal voting preferences among Chinese voters could stem from dissatisfaction with the parties and uncertainty about individual candidates.

Some voters might choose not to vote due to disaffection with the Democratic Action Party (DAP), while others might be inclined to switch their support.