Pengundi Cina masih berteka-teki soal sokongan menjelang PRN Melaka

Melaka saw a significant proportion of Chinese voters express their willingness to participate in the upcoming polling day on November 14, despite many hesitating to disclose their preferred candidates due to concerns over low turnout. In Bandar Hilir and Ayer Keroh, voters emphasized the civic responsibility of voting, with some even arranging flights for their children in Singapore to return for the process.

Lee, 58, from Bandar Hilir, shared that he has already purchased airplane tickets to ensure his two children in Singapore could vote. "We need to remind them that voting is our responsibility. We need to encourage and educate them about this," he told FMT. Another shop owner, Chan, 59, from Ayer Keroh, echoed the same sentiment, stating that choosing a capable candidate who can assist the community is a citizen's primary duty.

Concerns over Chinese voter turnout increased following the July Johor general election, where 61% of Chinese voters were expected to participate, compared to 75.5% of Malay voters. Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming noted that Chinese voter turnout in Johor had dropped by nearly eight percentage points compared to the previous election.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) secured the support of 52.2% of eligible Chinese voters in Johor, while the Barisan Nasional (BN) received 64.1% support from Malay eligible voters, according to Ong. Political analyst Bridget Welsh observed that the 62% voter turnout in the September 2022 Negeri Sembilan election was about three percentage points higher than in Johor.

While most individuals interviewed by FMT expressed their desire to vote on November 14, many were cautious when asked about their preferred candidate. However, their responses indicated that the performance record and ability to address daily community issues were primary factors in their decision-making. For Chin, 77, from Bandar Hilir, the choice remains unclear.

He supported Leng Chau Yen, a PH candidate, previously but has yet to decide. Chin praised Leng for helping the community solve issues such as lift malfunctions and water leaks. Ling, 45, from Duyong, also has not made a decision yet but praised BN candidate Noor Helmy Abdul Halem. Ling noted that the BN candidate would arrive at their doorstep within an hour of being contacted.

Khoo, 88, from Ujong Pasir, was more definitive in his choice, stating that his family and friends have supported the PH for a long time. He also commended Leng for her concern for elderly residents, expressing a vote rating of 80 to 85 for Leng. Oh Ei Sun from the Singapore-based International Islamic Institute stated that voter reluctance reveals their political tendencies may reflect a mix of dissatisfaction with political parties and uncertainty about individual candidates.

Some dissatisfied DAP voters might choose not to vote due to their reluctance to support the MCA, which cooperates with PAS on a political level. However, other voters might feel more free to shift their support to a different candidate, making their decisions more complex. "Given the uncertainty about which party might form the government, they choose not to disclose their individual choice," he said.