NOMINATION day in Melaka unfolded without major surprises. The battle lines are now clear – voters must choose between the conservatism embraced by UMNO and a reform movement that is struggling at one of its weakest moments.
All 28 nomination centres across the state opened at 9am and officially closed at 10am after the one-hour submission window, according to reports fromThe StarandMalay Mail.
In the Bukit Katil constituency, shouts of Takbir(God is great) andHidup Rakyat(Long live the people) echoed back and forth between supporters of Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Both parties were positioned side by side at the Bukit Katil state legislative assembly nomination centre.
The incumbent representative for the seat since 2018, Defence Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Adly Zahari from Amanah, arrived to submit his nomination forms representing PH.
Amanah President Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu accompanied the candidate alongside a delegation of supporters at the Tun Ali Hall, Historic Melaka City Council.
However, it was Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh’s presence at Tanjung Bidara seat that got more attention.
He was accompanied by UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) leader Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and a large crowd of supporters.
He faces a straight two-way fight in his bid to defend the seat in the 16th Melaka state election on Nov 14.
The Melaka BN Chairman is being challenged by Masjid Tanah PKR Pro-tem Secretary Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri, who is representing PH.
Meanwhile, in a speech, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi stated on Oct 31, 2026, that the opposition is wasting their time, money, and energy campaigning and competing in the Melaka state election.
Speaking to reporters after accompanying BN candidate Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh on Nomination Day, Onn Hafiz highlighted several key points regarding the opposition’s campaign.
He stated that the continuous criticism, slander, and psychological warfare aimed at the BN leadership over recent weeks would not change voter mindsets.
He expressed full confidence that most Melaka voters are politically mature and cannot be easily swayed or bought by temporary cash incentives or promises from opponents. — Oct 31, 2026
Main photo credit:The Star
