Cabar Akmal di kubu kuat Umno, Ayu intai kejutan di Merlimau

Pakatan Harapan candidate Rahayu Hamzah faces off against Dr Akmal Saleh, from Barisan Nasional (BN), in Merlimau's DUN parliamentary constituency in the upcoming Melaka PRN election on Saturday. Making the task tough, Rahayu, known as Ayu Hamzah, aims to create a surprise in Merlimau DUN. Rahayu knows the challenge, especially with Akmal winning the seat by a margin of 3,248 votes in PRN 2021, and having a strong swing vote.

However, she doesn't want to lose before the battle and aims to reduce Akmal's winning margin without ruling out the possibility of taking the seat. According to her, the strength of the opposition doesn't necessarily reflect the real voter support when election day arrives. "But that doesn't dampen our spirit. We keep working, keep striving.

Don't lose hope. At least, reducing the margin is enough. Indeed, we are relying on God," she said in an interview with FMT. Not choosing houses according to their colors, Rahayu's struggle in Merlimau is not just about challenging Akmal's influence, but also bringing a non-partisan political approach. Throughout her campaign, she says she doesn't choose houses to visit based on the flag they fly, whether BN, PN, PAS or PH.

If given the mandate as a representative, she aims to challenge the political inclinations of the residents so that none are neglected from receiving services or aid. If served, served for everyone. She campaigns for voters regardless of their political party. They don't want to choose charity. For those asking why they help her, once she's not part of the people, is she not a citizen?

The concept of citizenship is comprehensive, she said. She doesn't want to give promises like the month and the star just to win votes, but instead focuses on solving daily problems of the people. Success as a representative should not be measured by promises made during the campaign, but by the ability to address concerns and help the community.

As a representative, her KPI is to try to solve as many concerns as possible. That's the role of a representative, she said. She also wants to pay attention to social issues, female welfare, single-parent families, youth, and education if chosen to represent Merlimau. In this regard, Ayu believes that a state government that follows the PH government can make it easier to implement various benefits for the people, such as Basic Rahmah Assistance (SARA), Financial Rahmah Assistance (STR), BUDI, and early childhood education.

She also highlights the True Madani Grant of RM100,000 to the Village Development and Safety Committee (JPKK) as an example of a central government benefit that can benefit the local community.