As Melaka prepares for polling day on Saturday Malay voters and first-time participants put infrastructure and jobs first.
Malay voters make up 71.7 percent of the 687,697 registered electorate in the state election. They form the largest group in 24 of 28 seats.
Registered voters have risen from 495,195 in 2021. Tindak Malaysia estimated that 35.3 percent of the 192,502 additional voters are aged below 30.
Voters Demand Better Local Infrastructure
Interviews across Bukit Katil, Ayer Keroh, and Gadek show service delivery remains central. In Bukit Katil, Malays make up 65.3 percent of the electorate.
Restaurant manager Khairil Annuar Bachik pointed to immediate repairs as a benchmark. “If there is a problem with potholes that need paving, we inform them, and immediate action is taken,” Khairil Annuar Bachik, 45, told Malaysiakini.
Eatery assistant Daim Salim, 34, expressed a desire for greater attention to refugee management. In Gadek, Malays comprise 62.68 percent of voters alongside 19.05 percent Chinese and 17.21 percent Indian voters.
Resident Zack Jamil said the constituency required stronger commercial investment. This potential must be used to turn Gadek into an economic hub, Zack Jamil told Malaysiakini.
Voters in Gadek interviewed by Malaysiakini said a candidate’s race was not a deciding factor.
Young Voters Want Local Jobs and Honest Leaders
Young participants approaching the ballot box voiced concerns regarding employment and educational access. Matriculation student Hanini said that regional career opportunities would prevent young workers from having to relocate.
/file/attachments/orphans/AdlyZahari1_271531.jpg "Photo: Malaysiakini")
“The government should create more jobs here so that young people don’t have to go to Kuala Lumpur to find work. Travelling by bus also costs money,” Hanini told Free Malaysia Today.
Hanini told Free Malaysia Today she sought “someone who is honest, responsible and keeps their promises.” First-time voter Nurul Atika outlined her personal selection process to Free Malaysia Today.
“I plan to research the candidates and talk to friends who know them before I make my choice,” said Nurul Atika.
“I am looking for someone who can unite (diverse) communities,” she said. She also said she hoped the next representative would organize more activities to bring residents together.
In Duyong, first-time voter Iman, 18, shared her excitement about voting. She pointed out that there were still too few recreational options.
Engineers Want Narrow Salary Gaps and Student Support
Mechanical engineer Sathesh Kumaar A/L Gunasegaran spoke in Paya Rumput. He highlighted graduate salary gaps compared to neighboring states.
The incoming representative should form initiatives to narrow the salary gap. This brings pay closer to Johor to prevent local talent migration.
“Besides that, I also hope candidates can introduce activities or programmes that benefit school students and help improve their education and living standards,” Sathesh Kumaar A/L Gunasegaran, 24, told Bernama.
“This assistance is not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the younger generation and our grandchildren and future generations, so that they can worship in comfort and safety,” K Selvie a/p, Kannon said.
“I dare say we all feel that money is increasingly not enough and the pressure on our lives is getting heavier,” Mah Hang Soon told The Star.