Amanah vs Umno in Merlimau: Rahayu knows Dr Akmal is big on social media, so she’s counting on voters at the grassroots

JASIN, Oct 31 — A father’s advice to always remain strong and broad-minded has inspired Melaka Amanah Wanita chief Rahayu Hamzah to take on the challenge of contesting the Merlimau state seat for Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the 16th Melaka state election.

She said the advice had become her guiding principle, particularly as she prepares to face Barisan Nasional (BN) incumbent Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

Acknowledging Dr Muhamad Akmal’s strong social media influence as Umno Youth chief, Rahayu said she remained confident of PH’s support among voters in the constituency.

“We recognise his social media influence, but we are prepared. I believe in the support of voters on the ground, and that is why I am ready to take on this challenge,” she told reporters here today.

Rahayu said that if elected, she would focus on serving the community in line with PH’s Melaka Rumah Kita aspirations, with education for young people among her priorities.

She also pledged to address local infrastructure concerns, including flooding, based on residents’ needs and complaints.

Meanwhile, Dr Muhamad Akmal said he was not targeting a large majority in Merlimau but instead sought voters’ confidence based on his service over the past four years and 11 months.

“If they feel my service has not been good, I honestly say they should not vote for me. But if they are satisfied with my performance, I ask for their trust once again,” he said.

Dr Muhamad Akmal said he was prepared to face criticism and allegations from his opponents during the campaign, adding that voters were capable of assessing the information presented to them.

He also urged all campaign teams to conduct their activities maturely and responsibly, and to refrain from provocation, slander and remarks intended to discredit others.

The Merlimau seat will see a straight fight between Dr Muhamad Akmal and Rahayu.

Polling day is set for November 14, while early voting will take place on November 10.

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

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亚信，10月31日讯——父亲的忠告激励着马六甲诚信妇女组主席拉哈尤·哈姆扎，让她始终保持坚强和胸襟宽广，并决定接受挑战，代表希望联盟（PH）参加第16届马六甲州选举，竞选梅里茂州议席。

她说，这一建议已成为她的指导原则，尤其是在她准备与国阵现任议员拿督穆罕默德·阿克马尔·萨利赫博士对决之际。

拉哈尤承认穆罕默德·阿克马尔博士作为巫统青年团团长在社交媒体上拥有强大的影响力，并表示她仍然对希望联盟在该选区选民中的支持充满信心。

“我们承认他在社交媒体上的影响力，但我们已经做好了准备。我相信基层选民的支持，所以我准备好迎接这一挑战，”她今天在这里对记者说。

拉哈尤表示，如果当选，她将致力于服务社区，以实现希望联盟的“马六甲我们的家”愿景，并将青年教育列为优先事项之一。

她还承诺将根据居民的需求和投诉，解决包括洪水在内的当地基础设施问题。

与此同时，穆罕默德·阿克马尔博士表示，他并非以在梅尔利茂赢得多数席位为目标，而是希望凭借过去四年零十一个月的服务赢得选民的信任。

“如果他们觉得我的服务不好，我坦诚地说，他们不应该投票给我。但如果他们对我的表现感到满意，我再次请求他们的信任，”他说。

穆罕默德·阿克马尔博士表示，他已做好准备面对竞选期间对手的批评和指责，并补充说，选民有能力评估呈现给他们的信息。

他还敦促所有竞选团队以成熟负责的态度开展活动，避免挑衅、诽谤和发表旨在诋毁他人的言论。

万里茂席位将由穆罕默德·阿克迈勒博士和拉哈尤直接角逐。

投票日定于11月14日，提前投票将于11月10日举行。

有关第16届马六甲州选举的最新消息，请访问https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/。——马新社

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