{
  "id": 17399110,
  "title": "BN to focus on candidates, policies in Melaka election",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/bn-to-focus-on-candidates-policies-in-melaka-election",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T11:59:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/10/1567748/bn-focus-candidates-policies-melaka-election"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Barisan Nasional leader Azalina Othman Said revealed that the ruling coalition will not employ negative campaigning tactics during the upcoming Melaka election. Instead, the party plans to emphasize its candidates' qualifications, service histories, manifesto pledges and proposed solutions for the electorate. Azalina stated that voters should evaluate candidates based on their abilities, experience and visions for the future of Melaka. The BN head emphasized the importance of securing a mandate through presenting the party's own strengths rather than resorting to tearing down opposing candidates. She urged candidates, party workers and supporters to conduct themselves in a fair and respectful manner throughout the campaign, adhering to election regulations and refraining from provoking voters based on race, religion, or royalty. Azalina also directed the party's digital campaigning team to elevate their online strategies, given that 43.6% of Melaka voters fall within the 21-40 age bracket. The party's communication approach should become more dynamic, creative, and attuned to the preferences of younger constituents. She cautioned against being persuaded by inflated likes, comments or shares on social media platforms, urging voters to verify the sources of information, scrutinize the facts and think critically before disseminating content. The Melaka election campaign officially commenced today, with 79 candidates competing for all 28 state seats. Voting is scheduled to take place on November 14, following a 14-day campaign period, while early voting is set for November 10.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will not resort to smear campaigns in the Melaka election, focusing instead on its candidates, service records, manifesto pledges and solutions for voters.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}