Saifuddin Says Melaka Campaign Calm as 12,531 Vote Early

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has said the campaign for the 16th Melaka state election remains under control with no security threats reported, as Melaka early voting by 12,531 military and police personnel and their spouses was set for Tuesday (Nov 10).

Speaking to reporters on Monday (Nov 9), Saifuddin said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) had received only a few reports of campaign materials being vandalised in several areas, Bernama reported.

He made the remarks after a fishermen’s engagement session at the Lereh Fishermen’s Jetty in Tanjung Kling, as campaigning entered its 10th day.

Few Vandalism Reports, No Threats

Saifuddin said he expected that “campaigning will continue smoothly over the remaining few days” leading up to polling.

According to Bernama, he also expressed hope that the calm situation would encourage Melaka voters to come out and carry out their responsibility at the ballot box on Saturday (Nov 14), without feeling uneasy or worried about their safety.

Campaigning began immediately after nomination day on Oct 31. The Election Commission (EC) fixed Nov 10 for early voting and Nov 14 as polling day.

Melaka Early Voting at 31 Centres

Of the 12,531 early voters, 9,769 are military personnel and their spouses, while 2,762 are police personnel, according to a Bernama report carried by Malay Mail.

A total of 31 early polling centres have been gazetted across the state. All were scheduled to open at 8am and close in stages between 12pm and 6pm, depending on their location and the number of registered voters.

The centres at the Masjid Tanah Police Station, serving the Lendu state constituency, and the Gadek Police Station, serving the Gadek constituency, were due to close at noon because of their smaller electorates.

Voting at the Melaka Contingent Police Headquarters, the Alor Gajah District Police Headquarters and SK Kem Terendak 1 was set to run until 6pm.

Who Is Contesting

The state has 687,697 eligible voters in total, the report said.

Pakatan Harapan is fielding candidates in 24 seats, Barisan Nasional in 23, Parti Bersama Malaysia in 16, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia in seven, Perikatan Nasional in five and Parti Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia in one. Three Independents are also in the race.

In the 2021 state election, Barisan Nasional won 21 seats and formed the state government, while Pakatan Harapan took five and Perikatan Nasional two.

Campaigning continues until polling day on Saturday (Nov 14).

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