Peluang kekal KM bukan ‘habuan politik’, kata Rauf

Chief Minister candidate Ab Rauf Yusoh from Barisan Nasional (BN) in Melaka does not view the possibility of continuing as chief minister as a mere political maneuver, emphasizing the importance of securing the most seats for the coalition to retain government administration in the state, ahead of the PRN election on 14 November.

Rauf stressed that his priority now is winning as many seats as possible to allow BN to continue ruling the state, rather than considering his future role after the polls. "I do not consider this as a political game. What matters is that we work to win the election. If we cannot win the election, there is no point in worrying," he said in an interview with FMT.

Rauf commented on BN Secretary-General Zahid Hamidi's statement that he would be nominated to continue as chief minister of Melaka if the coalition wins the PRN. Appointed as the 13th chief minister of Melaka on 31 March 2023, replacing Sulaiman Ali, Rauf remained unphased by the challenge of defending his seat against the opposition's Yunazri Mustamiri.

"However, I believe the capabilities and experience of our party and myself cannot be easily replaced by others," he stated. Rauf faced direct competition with Yunazri Mustamiri from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and was open to anyone who wished to contest, but warned that merely using a big name to influence voters might not benefit the local populace, especially if the candidate does not reside in the area.

"To represent the people, one must first become a resident," he said. Born and raised in Tanjung Bidara, the son of a coir maker and housewife, Rauf highlighted his understanding of the area's changes and residents' needs from a young age. "I will use my experience to bring about better development, particularly to ensure the younger generation enjoys a higher quality of life in the future," he concluded.