Melaka Polls: Jegan Celebrates Deepavali With Gadek Residents Amid Campaign

By Shanika Abdullatib

ALOR GAJAH, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Usually, Jegasilan K spends Deepavali morning at home entertaining visitors, but this year, it was his turn to be a guest as he accepted invitations from residents of the Gadek state constituency to celebrate the festival at their homes.

For the Pakistan Harapan (PH) candidate, celebrating the Festival of Lights amid the busy campaign for the 16th Melaka State Election was more meaningful as it gave him the opportunity to mingle with Gadek residents in a festive atmosphere, including visiting several temples in the constituency.

“This year, the celebration is very different for me. Usually, in the morning, we would have gone to the temple and visit our relatives, especially the elderly like uncle Munusamy and Krishnamah.

“But this time, we are in the midst of campaigning. We are busy attending invitations. Even so, we still make time to visit our friends and uncles,” he told Bernama here today.

Sharing his experience during the week-long campaign, Jegasilan, 45, fondly known as Jegan, said one of the challenges in meeting residents was the unpredictable weather conditions, which had somewhat disrupted his campaign schedule.

“There’s no doubt that the weather is our main challenge. Now, it’s the rainy season, and it is quite difficult when it rains every evening, limiting our movements.

“But, even when it rains, I still continue campaigning house-to-house using an umbrella,” said the first-time candidate.

The tuition centre operator, who is a graduate, said that among the issues frequently raised by residents during his campaign were road conditions, drainage systems and water supply.

“During my visits, I listen to the residents’ problems, and all these have helped me better understand the needs of the Gadek community,” he said, adding that every complaint had been taken into account and would be given due attention if he received the mandate from Gadek voters in the state election.

Jegasilan faces a four-cornered contest for the Gadek state seat against S. Nadarajah (Barisan Nasional), B. Laveen (Parti Bersama Malaysia) and Laila Norinda Maon (Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia).

Polling is on Nov 14, with early voting set for Tuesday (Nov 10). 

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

-- BERNAMA