{
  "id": 18330460,
  "title": "Melaka election: Choose candidates who have 'direct line' to PM's Office, says Anwar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/melaka-election-choose-candidates-who-have-direct-line-to-pms-office",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T15:31:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/11/1571784/melaka-election-choose-candidates-who-have-direct-line-pms-office"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Voters in the upcoming Melaka election should carefully select elected representatives who have a direct line to the Prime Minister's Office, according to Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar emphasized that strong connections and alignment of direction between the federal administration and assemblymen are crucial for the successful implementation of development projects and the protection of residents' welfare.\n\nHe used the example of the PH candidates for the Paya Rumput and Kelebang seats to illustrate his point. Both candidates, Anwar stated, share the same direction as the federal government, and their credibility and integrity are vital for effectively translating government policies at the grassroots level. He questioned whether Tok Man, the PH candidate for Paya Rumput, can serve as a direct voice to the Prime Minister's office, and similarly praised the hardworking and well-qualified young female candidate, Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir, for the Kelebang seat.\n\nAnwar argued that electing representatives who possess a direct line to the Prime Minister's Office provides voters with a significant advantage in addressing infrastructure, drainage, and socio-economic issues directly with the government. He reminded voters in Melaka to make informed decisions when choosing their representatives, urging them to support candidates who genuinely work for the people rather than those who merely stir emotions during the campaign.\n\nDespite acknowledging that Melaka is not a traditionally strong PH stronghold, Anwar expressed optimism that the party can secure a victory in the upcoming Nov 14 election. He believed that by starting the change process in Melaka, the country as a whole could benefit, and he was confident that this could help bring about positive change.",
  "summary": "MELAKA: Voters in the Melaka election should choose elected representatives who have a “direct line” to the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure smooth development processes and the protection of residents’ welfare.",
  "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."
}