Melaka Polls: Calm Campaign Atmosphere Allows Voters To Assess Candidates - Adam Adli

By Rosmalis Anuar

MELAKA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Campaigning in the first week of the 16th Melaka state election has been described as more subdued and orderly than in the two previous state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Melaka PKR State Leadership Council acting chairman Adam Adli Abd Halim said a mature, respectful approach among contesting parties and candidates has helped keep campaigning peaceful despite political rivalry.

“There have been the usual exchanges during campaigning, including some teasing and a degree of provocation on social media. However, the overall atmosphere has been quite harmonious.

“We have seen what happened in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, where the political climate was extremely heated, almost at the boiling point. But it is different here because it takes two to tango,” he told Bernama here today.

He said a calm campaign environment would allow voters to assess each party's performance record and offerings fairly and rationally, without being influenced by narrow-minded sentiments, false accusations or divisive politics.

“Voters cannot make rational decisions when they are constantly exposed to racial and religious rhetoric, allegations, slander and personal attacks against candidates.

“If such issues continue to define political party campaigns, voters will find it difficult to make informed decisions when casting their ballots,” he said.

On Pakatan Harapan's (PH) campaign, Adam Adli said he was encouraged by the positive response from local voters, particularly the turnout at talks and meet-the-people sessions organised by the coalition's candidates.

However, the Deputy Higher Education Minister cautioned campaign teams and candidates against becoming overconfident, saying they must keep working hard in the final week before polling day.

“They (PH candidates) must remain positive, work hard and be proactive, which means putting in more effort than usual. PKR candidates, in particular, are expected to maintain a disciplined schedule, visiting at least 10 to 11 campaign locations a day.

“Every movement must be planned and accounted for, from early morning until night. They can take an hour-long break at midday for the Zuhur prayer, lunch and rest before resuming their campaign activities,” he said.

Asked about the significant role he is playing in the state election, the Hang Tuah Jaya MP acknowledged that the task was challenging, as he was still relatively new compared with other, more experienced PKR leaders.

Nevertheless, he said collaboration among party leaders and grassroots teams had strengthened PKR's preparations for the state election.

“Our task is to coordinate efforts, manage differences and deal with any internal conflicts that may arise.

“We must ensure that we continuously train our party machinery and prospective candidates, while developing new talent to carry the party forward. These remain my priorities, and I am drawing on the experience I have gained throughout my journey in politics,” he said.

The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, with early voting scheduled for Nov 10.

For the latest updates on the 16th Melaka state election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/.

-- BERNAMA