{
  "id": 18903808,
  "title": "Melaka polls: Kota Laksamana could become new Melaka capital, say Ab Rauf",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/melaka-polls-kota-laksamana-could-become-new-melaka-capital-say-ab",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T08:54:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/11/1573395/melaka-polls-kota-laksamana-could-become-new-melaka-capital-say-ab"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kota Laksamana may become the future capital of Melaka if the Barisan Nasional party secures the seat in the upcoming Melaka election, according to statements made by Ab Rauf, the chairman of the party's Melaka branch. The proposal forms part of the state government's plans to spur development and economic growth in the region over the next half-decade. Ab Rauf, who doubles as the caretaker chief minister of Melaka, expressed optimism about Kota Laksamana's potential to transform into a new administrative hub.\n\nRauf cited the area's burgeoning growth in sectors such as housing, tourism, and healthcare as evidence of its suitability for taking on the role of the state capital. He reiterated his hope that Kota Laksamana would become the new capital, noting the absence of an existing capital in Melaka. At a recent campaign event, Ab Rauf, alongside MCA president Dr Wee Ka Siong and BN candidate Melvin Chua Kew Wei, discussed the proposed economic corridor that would include a medical hub, tourism and commercial projects, and infrastructure developments.\n\nThe capital development plans would be rolled out in stages, with the initial five-year plan serving as the foundation for further advancements. Ab Rauf emphasized that a BN victory in Kota Laksamana is within reach and expressed confidence in Chua's chances of being elected. He highlighted the need for change in the face of evolving circumstances, arguing that stagnation would hinder the progress of the state.\n\nThe BN candidate faces competition from Low Chee Leong, representing Pakatan Harapan, and Ethan Lim Zhi Hao from Bersatu during the 2021 Melaka election. Low retained the seat with a substantial majority of 11,494 votes.",
  "summary": "MELAKA: Kota Laksamana could become Melaka's new state capital under plans to develop a new economic corridor if Barisan Nasional wins the seat in the Melaka election.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "Politics : Melaka Polls: Adam Adli Urges Young Voters To Make Fact-based Decisions, Not Be Swayed By Sentiment",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/politics-melaka-polls-adam-adli-urges-young-voters-to-make-fact-based",
        "published": "2026-11-07T23:21:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "This is your time, PKR man tells young voters in Melaka",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/this-is-your-time-pkr-man-tells-young-voters-in-melaka",
        "published": "2026-11-08T02:16:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Ab Rauf looks to young voters to shore up BN’s Melaka election bid",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/ab-rauf-looks-to-young-voters-to-shore-up-bns-melaka-election-bid",
        "published": "2026-11-08T06:09:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}