Pakatan Harapan (PH) has questioned the performance of the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration in Melaka, claiming it has failed to address persistent public grievances despite securing a strong mandate in the previous state election.
Melaka PH chairman Datuk Seri Adly Zahari said BN’s victory in 21 of the 28 state seats should have been followed by more effective efforts to resolve issues affecting residents, particularly those involving welfare, housing and basic amenities.
He said winning almost 75 per cent of the seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) came with a significant responsibility to deliver concrete solutions to the people’s concerns.
“Because of this, BN must explain what has been resolved and why these complaints are still being raised, particularly on matters directly affecting the people.
“It should not be coming back to ask for the people’s trust as though it is a new administration governing the state,” he said at a press conference at the PH main operations room here on Sunday.
Adly said the coalition had received various complaints during its first day of campaigning, as its 24 candidates went on the ground to meet residents.
Among the issues raised were water bills, difficulties in owning homes, access to welfare assistance and the availability of jobs offering fair wages.
Small business owners, meanwhile, were struggling with rising rental costs and limited capital to keep their businesses running.
He said recurring floods, drainage problems, street lighting, cleanliness and the maintenance of public facilities were also among the concerns raised by residents during their meetings with PH candidates.
Complaints involving Melaka Sentral, projects that had yet to be fully utilised and the condition of tourist destinations also required explanations and action from the state government, he added.
“The people have every right to ask if even basic matters remain unresolved and continue to draw complaints. On what basis does the current administration want to keep boasting about its performance?” he said.
In a separate development, Adly said PH would unveil its manifesto soon, with a focus on addressing the public’s basic needs.
He said the coalition’s priorities included genuinely affordable home ownership, better incomes, support for small entrepreneurs, student welfare, as well as transparent assistance and access to services.
“We will present the details during the manifesto launch so that the people and voters can examine and assess these commitments for themselves,” he said.
Responding to claims that opposition parties contesting against BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the state election were merely wasting time and money, Adly said the democratic process gave voters the opportunity to choose a new government.
“Governing power does not belong permanently to any political party, and voters do not owe anyone their mandate.
“That is why ‘Melaka Rumah Kita’ is PH’s commitment to ensuring the state is governed for the people’s well-being, with wider opportunities and a more secure future,” he said.
