Dr Yadzil seeks bigger victory in Bemban

Dr Yadzil Yaakub secured the state seat in the 2021 Melaka polls with a 328-vote margin. The Perikatan Nasional (PN) party aims for a more substantial victory in Bemban state constituency during the upcoming Melaka election on November 14. Dr Yaakub, the incumbent, opted for a non-confrontational approach, focusing on his own attributes and what he could provide to voters while acknowledging the competencies of his rival candidates for the seat.

He told FMT in an interview at the Bemban PN operations room, “I prefer to contest in a healthy manner, highlighting one’s strengths and what I can offer the people.” Dr Yaakub will compete against Rabaie Ab Hamid from Bersatu, Dr Solehin Saleh of Bersama, and independent candidate Abd Halim Said in the upcoming poll. During the 2021 Melaka state election, Dr Yaakub won the seat with a 328-vote majority when he campaigned under the PN banner, albeit at the time he was affiliated with Bersatu.

The former opposition leader of Melaka indicated that the PN party sought to expand the number of seats won compared to the previous election, though the precise target would be contingent on the campaign's progress. He also recognized the necessity for the PN to intensify outreach efforts to various ethnic demographics, especially the Chinese community, by engaging in face-to-face interactions and by listening to their aspirations.

According to Dr Yaakub, the PN is establishing several groups to connect with the community and collect feedback on their expectations of the coalition. He emphasized that relying solely on social media was insufficient, as different communities have distinct methods of accessing information. Regarding local issues, Dr Yaakub stressed the need for enhanced focus on the development of Malay settlements in urban and suburban regions to prevent residents from being overburdened.

He also pointed out persistent concerns regarding floods and inadequate sanitation, which he deemed required comprehensive resolutions.