Melaka polls: Campaigns should focus on issues, not hatred, says Umno leader

MELAKA: Political campaigns should not be used to spread hatred or disparage opponents, said Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid. He supported Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh's strategy of avoiding hate politics and criticizing political rivals. Mahdzir emphasized that the focus should be on current issues, while recognizing that identity politics is common globally.

He urged Melaka voters to assess Ab Rauf's performance over the past three years, including his achievements and state management skills, when deciding their votes. Mahdzir noted that the people of Melaka were best positioned to evaluate Ab Rauf's work for the state and had the right to judge the performance of local leaders. Speaking to reporters at a meeting with Barisan Nasional candidate for Pantai Kundor, Datuk Tuminah Kadi, Mahdzir mentioned that recent political developments over the past seven to eight months had also influenced voter decisions, with many likely having already made up their minds about five months ago.