{
  "id": 18903824,
  "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-18903824",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T08:49:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "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 current lack of a real capital was highlighted by Ab Rauf, the BN chairman, who has proposed Kota Laksamana as the ideal location for the state capital if BN secures the seat in the upcoming election. This proposal forms part of a larger plan to establish a new economic corridor in the region over the next five years, according to a report by Berita Harian. Speaking at a campaign event, Ab Rauf expressed his ambition for Kota Laksamana to become the capital of Melaka and questioned the legitimacy of the city serving as the state's capital today. He further elaborated that the corridor would comprise a medical hub, tourism, and commercial projects, building upon existing facilities such as Encore Melaka, Oriental Specialist Hospital, and a new shopping center in Klebang. The plan will be executed in stages, with the first five years focused on laying a strong foundation. Ab Rauf expressed confidence that BN could win the seat in Kota Laksamana, stating that it is not an impossible feat. In the race, Chua faces competition from Pakatan Harapan's Low Chee Leong of DAP and Parti Bersama Malaysia's Ethan Lim Zhi Hao. Low Chee Leong managed to secure a significant lead in the 2021 election, with a majority of 11,494 votes. Early voting for the 16th Melaka state election began on Tuesday, with polling scheduled for this Saturday.",
  "summary": "MELAKA, Nov 8 — Barisan Nasional (BN) wants to turn Kota Laksamana into Melaka’s state capital if it wins th...",
  "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."
}