{
  "id": 18899800,
  "title": "Melaka lacks a real capital, says Ab Rauf, who wants Kota Laksamana to be it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/melaka-lacks-a-real-capital-says-ab-rauf-who-wants-kota-laksamana-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T08:49:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/08/melaka-lacks-a-real-capital-says-ab-rauf-who-wants-kota-laksamana-to-be-it/242476"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Melaka's BN leader Ab Rauf Yusoh has proposed turning Kota Laksamana into the state capital if his party secures the seat in the upcoming election. The proposal is part of a plan to create a new economic corridor in the area over the next five years, which would include a medical hub, tourism and commercial projects, and a new shopping center. Ab Rauf, who is also acting chief minister, argued that the city currently lacks a true capital and that winning Kota Laksamana would provide Melaka with a center that could serve that purpose. He expressed confidence that Melvin Chua Kew Wei, the BN candidate, could win the seat, stating that it is not impossible for him to become the assemblyman in the current term. Ab Rauf also promised that the state government would provide facilities and reduce red tape to speed up development in the area. Chua is facing a three-way race against Pakatan Harapan's Low Chee Leong and Parti Bersama Malaysia's Ethan Lim Zhi Hao.",
  "summary": "MELAKA, Nov 8 — Barisan Nasional (BN) wants to turn Kota Laksamana into Melaka’s state capital if it wins th...",
  "key_points": [
    "Melaka's BN leader Ab Rauf proposes Kota Laksamana as state capital.",
    "Plan includes medical hub, tourism, commercial projects, and new shopping center.",
    "Ab Rauf confident Melvin Chua can win seat in current term."
  ],
  "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."
}