MELAKA: Datuk Norhizam Baktee, also known as YB Hulk, will be fighting to defend his Pengkalan Batu seat as an Independent candidate.

       This means that Norhizam will be facing a five-cornered fight at least, against Barisan Nasional's Datuk Kalsom Nordin, Bersatu's Mohd Azrudin Md Idris, DAP's Muhamad Danish Zainudin and Putra's Dr Muhammad Alwi Sani.

       Norhizam - who was wearing a black t-shirt saying "YB Viral" - during the press conference in Melaka on Sunday (Nov 7), also claimed that he was approached by more than four parties, but he wasn't interested.

       "When we want to enter a person's house, sometimes there's too many 'ding-dongs'. I want to join Pakatan Harapan, but DAP 'ding-donged' too much. I feel it's better to contest as an independent. What are we supposed to do, it is someone else's house,” he said.

       Asked if he was confident at winning 80% of the votes in Pengkalan Batu, Norhizam said he was confident given his good track record as assemblyman.

       Norhizam became known as "YB Hulk" after a video clip of him emerged in 2018, showing him in a heated exchange with villagers in Bukit Beruang.

       "I've served the people here for more than three years. We know this election will be different so the assemblymen who were hard working will win," he said, referring to the Health Ministry's ban on political gatherings and social gatherings from Oct 25 to Nov 27.

       The former state DAP deputy chairman then took a swipe at Muhamad Danish, who will be contesting under DAP, saying that he isn't a local in Pengkalan Batu.

       "He was parachuted here, I don't even know him. Kalsom, I see him as my good friend, but in terms of work, I've lapped him,” said Norhizam.

       "So, I don't know what he's up to. The people can judge. The people will vote for those who can provide service, not logos or parties,” he added

       Norhizam also said that he remained in good relations with Idris and Nor Azman, despite the two being accepted into Pakatan's fold.

       "We quit (Perikatan) for a reason. I don't feel wronged. The people are smart, they can make their own decisions," he added.

       On Saturday (Nov 7), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Idris and Nor Azman are officially PKR and Amanah members and added that they will contest at Ashan and Pantai Kundor respectively.

       DAP leaders have been particularly vocal against the prospect of Pakatan accepting the four assemblymen who triggered the collapse of the state government, with Ramkarpal Singh saying on Monday (Nov 1) that fielding such candidates in the state polls would be a liability.

       Previously, Idris led three assemblymen - Nor Azman, Norhizam and Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad, to retract support for the Perikatan state government, triggering its subsequent collapse.

       Noor Effandi was a former Bersatu assemblyman who was also involved during the "Sheraton Move" last year that led to Pakatan's fall as the federal government.

       Following multiple announcements on Saturday (Nov 7), Barisan, Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan will clash in all 28 seats.

       PAS and Barisan are set to clash for eight seats - Kuala Linggi, Taboh Naning, Durian Tunggal, Kelebang, Bukit Katil, Duyong, Serkam, and Merlimau.

       Additionally, Barisan and Bersatu are clashing for 15 seats - Tanjung Bidara, Ayer Limau, Lendu, Rembia, Godek, Machap Jaya, Sungai Udang, Pantai Kundor, Paya Rumput, Pengkalan Batu, Ayer Molek, Telok Mas, Bemban, Rim, and Sungai Rambai.

       Barisan had earlier announced that it will contest all 28 seats in the upcoming Melaka state polls, with Umno taking on 20, MCA (seven) and MIC (one).

       Nominations for the Melaka state elections have been set for Nov 8, while polling is on Nov 20.