[VIDEO] Showdown begins: Melaka CM candidates cast votes at polling centres

MELAKA – Chief ministerial candidates from three major coalitions contesting in the Melaka snap election today cast their votes at their designated polling stations. 

Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) chief ministerial candidate Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin was the first to arrive at SK Ramuan China Besar at 7.53am to cast her vote. 

Upon arrival, the Tg Bidara candidate, clad in a black and magenta baju kurung, greeted media personnel who were waiting for her. 

“I visited the grave of my late father, Samsudin Md Ali, before coming here. He inspired me to venture into politics and was definitely a big influence in my life,” said Mas Ermieyati, a deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The Bersatu Masjid Tanah chief added that her being named as candidate for chief minister did not cross her mind, saying that “all I wanted to do is contribute a seat for PN in the election.

“I, alongside the party machinery, have done our best. I will leave it to Allah.”

Mas Ermieyati is facing a three-way fight against former mentor and Umno strongman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Zainal Hassan. 

Meanwhile, at the SK Durian Tunggal voting centre, PH’s chief ministerial choice Adly Zahari arrived at 8.07am to vote.

Speaking to the press, the Bukit Katil constituency candidate expressed his gratitude to the Election Commission officers statewide for ensuring a smooth democratic process.  

“God willing, the officers on duty have ensured that voters abide by the set standard operating procedures due to Covid-19.

“Although the weather is a bit gloomy, I hope all voters in Melaka will fulfill their responsibilities today,” he said briefly after casting his vote at 8.30am.  

In the 14th general election, Adly won Bukit Katil with a majority of 3,159 votes. This time around, the incumbent will be facing a four-way fight in his bid to defend the seat.

The Amanah man will be challenged by Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Datuk Hasnoor Sdg Husin, PN’s Muhammad Al Afiz Yahya, and independent Abdul Hamid Mustapah. 

BN’s chief ministerial candidate Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, on the other hand, cast his vote in his own primary school in SK Durian Daun (K) at 8.40am.

“I’m voting at my own school. I studied here from Standard One up to Standard Six. This was also my class when I was in Standard three and I’m also the third candidate on the ballot paper.  

“Those who haven’t voted, please come out to vote as this state election will be for a five-year term and there will be no other state election next year,” the Lendu contestant said.

In the previous election, Sulaiman barely scraped through, winning the Lendu state seat with just 627 votes over Bersatu’s Ridhuan Affandi Abu Bakar and PAS’ Arshad Mohamad Som. 

In this state polls, Sulaiman is challenged by Abdullah Mahadi from PN and Mohamad Asri Ibrahim from PH. – The Vibes, November 20, 2021