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THE first votes in Melaka’s 16th state election will be cast today, with 12,531 military personnel, their spouses and police officers eligible to take part in early voting.
The exercise comes as the 14-day campaign enters its final days, with candidates making their last push to secure support ahead of polling on November 14.
Of the eligible early voters, 9,769 are military personnel and their spouses, while another 2,762 are police officers.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) has made a direct appeal to the group, urging them to consider the Federal Government’s record, particularly its decision to revise civil servants’ salaries after 13 years without a structural review.
PH Melaka chairman Datuk Seri Adly Zahari said the salary adjustment reflected the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim administration’s commitment to delivering on promises that had remained outstanding for years.
He said military and police personnel should consider how government policies affected their welfare and livelihoods when deciding who to support.
“The government under the leadership of the Prime Minister has fulfilled promises that had been delayed for a long time, including the salary increase,” he said at PH’s daily press conference today.
Adly, who is also Deputy Defence Minister and is defending the Bukit Katil seat, said PH had been engaging early voters throughout the campaign to explain its policies and political direction.
He also cited the country’s economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic and the strengthening of the ringgit, saying these developments should be considered alongside efforts to improve integrity, transparency and governance.
The appeal is part of PH’s broader effort to make the Federal Government’s performance a central issue in its bid to wrest control of the state.
Local issues take centre stage
The campaign, which began on October 31 following nomination day, has seen candidates contend with familiar concerns over the cost of living, housing, water supply, flooding and the pace of local development.
Adly has repeatedly challenged the state administration to account for projects and commitments made during its previous term, arguing that voters should be able to assess what has actually been delivered rather than rely on fresh promises.
Flood mitigation has also featured in his campaign, particularly in southern Melaka, where residents have faced recurring problems. He has called for clearer details on the scope, funding and implementation timeline of planned flood mitigation works.
Housing and assistance for small traders have been other areas highlighted by PH, which has sought to position its manifesto around household welfare, economic opportunities and better public administration.
The coalition has also stepped up its house-to-house campaign, with Adly urging its machinery to respect families preparing for Deepavali while continuing efforts to explain its proposals to voters.
Beyond the policy debate, the contest has also been shaped by the field of candidates and the parties’ attempts to consolidate their respective support bases.
A total of 79 candidates are contesting the 28 state seats, with PH fielding 24 candidates, Barisan Nasional (BN) 23 and Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) 16.
Bersatu is contesting seven seats, while PN has five candidates. The remaining candidates comprise one from Putra and three independents.
BN defending its commanding majority
For BN, the election is an opportunity to retain the advantage it secured in 2021, when it won 21 of the 28 seats to form the state government with a two-thirds majority.
PH won five seats, while PN secured two.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has defended his administration’s performance, saying 97% of the promises made in BN’s previous election manifesto had been fulfilled.
BN’s latest manifesto includes a target of attracting RM30 billion in investments, free domestic water for eligible households and a five-year freeze on quit rent increases.
PH, meanwhile, is campaigning on its Aspirasi Melaka Rumah Kita platform, with proposals covering housing, employment, youth opportunities, tourism and improvements to state administration.
The contest in Bukit Katil is among those attracting attention, with Adly facing three challengers: Perikatan Nasional’s Ridzuan Sarif, Bersama’s Dr Aliza Che Amran and independent candidate Abu Bakar Sabudin.
Adly won the seat in the 2021 election with a majority of 1,057 votes.
His position as PH’s choice for chief minister, should the coalition secure enough seats to form the next state government, has added significance to the contest.
The election will test whether BN can retain its commanding position, whether PH can make meaningful gains and how far newer political players can influence the outcome.
Tomorrow’s early voting will provide the first electoral test before the wider electorate heads to the polls on November 14. – November 10, 2026
