Melaka: Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh will face Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Rahayu Hamzah in a straight fight for the Merlimau state seat in the Nov 14 Melaka election.
Returning officer Khairil Hafiz Yahya announced the two candidates after nominations closed, with Akmal assigned candidate number one and Rahayu number two.
Akmal, who is Umno Youth chief, retained the Merlimau seat for BN in the 2021 state election with a majority of 3,248 votes.
READ MORE: Prosecution rejects Dr Akmal Saleh’s representation to drop public alarm charge
Merlimau is among the constituencies set for a direct BN-PH contest in the upcoming polls.
Akmal said he acknowledged shortcomings during his tenure but was determined to regain voters’ confidence in the 16th Melaka state election.
“Honestly, I am not expecting a big majority. I simply want the people’s trust after serving them for four years and 11 months.
“To me, whether I win with a large majority or not is not the main issue. What matters most is that I fulfil the responsibility entrusted to me to the best of my ability,” he added.
He also acknowledged facing various criticisms and propaganda ahead of the polls but expressed confidence that voters would be able to assess his performance and track record.
“The people can make their own judgement about what we have done and what each candidate has to offer.
“I have no problem facing criticism. My track record speaks for itself. If the people feel my service has not been good enough, they should not vote for me. But if they are satisfied, I appeal to them to give me another mandate,” he said.
Meanwhile, Akmal urged all political parties to conduct their campaigns responsibly and refrain from spreading slander or engaging in personal attacks.
A total of 687,697 voters are eligible to cast their ballots, based on the electoral roll updated as at Sept 22.
They comprise 675,166 ordinary voters, 9,769 military personnel and their spouses, and 2,762 police personnel.
The 14-day campaign period runs from Oct 31 to Nov 13, with polling day set for Nov 14.
