ALOR GAJAH: In a show of friendship, former policeman Isa Abu vows to cycle around Rembia to campaign for his neighbour, independent candidate K. Murali Krishna, from Kampung Tebat here.

       He was among those who were at the Dewan Taming Sari nomination hall at Rembia here on Monday (Nov 8) to support Murali.

       "He is born and bred here. Murali Krishna is truly our local boy. I have known him since he was a kid and I told him to stand as an independent,” said the 85-year-old grandfather when interviewed here.

       Isa said Murali's father was his colleague when he was in the police force and they lived in the same village.

       "He (Murali) still calls me 'Abah' (father) and I am glad to be his campaign manager," he said.

       Isa said he still had the strength to cycle despite his age.

       "I am fully aware of the standard operating procedure (set for the Melaka election) and will abide by it while cycling solo around Rembia," he said.

       Isa said Murali is well-known among villagers here as had helped many people through his non-governmental organisation.

       "He is no stranger to us as he is part of us."

       Meanwhile, Murali said he would depend on social media to campaign.

       Murali will go up against Barisan Nasional's incumbent Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis, Perikatan Nasional's Zamzuri Ariffin, Pakatan Harapan's Zamri Pakiri and Independent candidate Sabarudin Kudus.

       Polling for the Melaka election is on Nov 20.