FOUR DAP-held urban constituencies have emerged as key battlegrounds in the Melaka state election, with Barisan Nasional (BN) seeking to overturn PH's dominance in the seats as both coalitions pursue ambitious targets ahead of Saturday's polling.
Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh is confident of capturing up to 26 of the 28 state seats by retaining the 21 constituencies won in the 2021 election, securing additional victories through its alliance with Perikatan Nasional (PN), and wresting four urban seats from DAP.
The targeted constituencies are Ayer Keroh, Bandar Hilir, Kesidang and Kota Laksamana, which PH is also determined to defend as part of its strategy to retain its existing five seats and expand its representation to 18.
PH Melaka chairman Adly Zahari said the coalition had identified 18 constituencies with winning potential, stressing that its prospects would depend on securing support beyond its three component parties.
“We have 18 focus seats. We must defend the seats we currently hold and increase our numbers in key constituencies. PH cannot win solely through the support of members of its three component parties. We need the support of the people of Melaka,” he said.
Adly, who is defending Bukit Katil, identified the five incumbent PH seats as Bukit Katil, Ayer Keroh, Bandar Hilir, Kesidang and Kota Laksamana.
He said PH would continuously assess voter sentiment and campaign developments in the targeted constituencies, adding that broader public support was essential to its bid to regain control of the state government.
On constituencies not contested by PH, Adly said there was no formal understanding with Bersatu or directive for PH supporters to back its candidates, although both parties faced common political opponents.
BN, meanwhile, is contesting 23 seats, with PN fielding candidates in the remaining five, while PH is contesting 24 seats and Bersatu seven.
Ab Rauf, who is defending Tanjung Bidara, said BN's prospects of winning up to 26 seats would depend partly on PN securing at least two constituencies.
He dismissed the perception that DAP's urban strongholds were guaranteed victories, arguing that voter support could shift regardless of a party's historical electoral strength.
“Malaysia was once an UMNO stronghold, but UMNO eventually fell. It is not DAP itself that is strong, but the people who give it strength,” he said, according to Utusan Malaysia.
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, with early voting on Nov 10 following nomination day on Oct 31.
A total of 79 candidates are contesting under BN, PN, PH, Bersatu, Parti Bersama Malaysia, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia and as independents. - November 9, 2026
