Melaka Polls: PH candidate Hakimin eyes education-employment hub for Ayer Molek

In the 16th Melaka state election, PKR candidate Muhammad Hakimin Mokhtar aims to transform Ayer Molek into an education and employment hub to generate more job prospects for locals. The 35-year-old former Jasin Municipal Council member believes the constituency has potential to draw in higher education institutions, such as MARA colleges and polytechnics, as well as businesses that could stimulate the local economy.

This idea surfaced during his discussions with residents during the campaign, with job scarcity being a significant issue raised by constituents. Hakimin, who holds a Bachelor of Administrative Science (Hons) from UiTM, detailed plans to turn Ayer Molek into a hub for educational institutions and a business complex that could entice supermarket operators and outside companies, thereby boosting the local economy.

He also wants to enable the State Legislative Assembly Development and Coordination Committee (Japerun) complex to operate as an open community service center, accessible to everyone, irrespective of their background or political affiliation. Hakimin pledged to tackle 60 issues faced by residents, including internet connectivity, flooding, and basic infrastructure problems that have gone unresolved by previous leaderships.

He intends to address these problems by collaborating closely with relevant agencies, the private sector, and through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to secure additional support. Hakimin insisted that real development involves not just attracting major projects, but also resolving everyday problems and enhancing overall community quality of life.

He is up against BN candidate Datuk Mohd Ridhwan Mohd Ali for the Ayer Molek seat in the upcoming polls on Nov 14, with early voting on Tuesday. For ongoing election updates, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/.