{
  "id": 18938577,
  "title": "Rauf eyes Kota Laksamana as new Melaka state capital",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/rauf-eyes-kota-laksamana-as-new-melaka-state-capital",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T12:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/11/08/rauf-eyes-kota-laksamana-as-new-melaka-state-capital"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Melaka's BN chairman, Ab Rauf Yusoh, has suggested that Kota Laksamana has the potential to become the state's new capital. This is due to the area's rapid development, which can stimulate economic growth and transform the state's landscape. Rauf explained that a five-year development plan has been prepared for Kota Laksamana, with collaboration between the state government and the private sector. However, the plans are currently on hold as the land for the projects was acquired by private companies under the private finance initiative, which is beyond the control of the state government. Nonetheless, Rauf assured that the government will work closely with the private sector, reduce bureaucracy, and provide necessary support to accelerate economic activity in Kota Laksamana. The development plan also includes areas under the waterfront economic zone, which covers commercial, residential, healthcare, and tourism sectors.",
  "summary": "Caretaker chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said a five-year development plan for the area had been prepared with the state government working alongside the private sector.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Kota Laksamana Has Potential To Become Melaka's New State Capital - Ab Rauf",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/general-kota-laksamana-has-potential-to-become-melakas-new-state",
        "published": "2026-11-08T08:18:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-11-08T08:49:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}