MELAKA: It is not a popularity contest but a fight between two parties with different ideologies, says state Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, referring to his showdown with Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin of Perikatan Nasional.The two will duke it out in Tanjung Bidara, one of the hottest seats in a three-cornered battle.

       The third candidate is Pakatan Harapan’s Zainal Hassan, a 59-year-old local entrepreneur.

       On the Barisan-Perikatan duel, Ab Rauf said it involves a party that brings sustainability in managing the people and other parties with their own ideology.

       “We can see it being proven when you compare the 22 months given to the parties to administer the state with the 18 months under Barisan, which showed a level of maturity in managing the people,” he told reporters yesterday.

       He added that it is not a popularity contest but a fight between two ideologically different parties.

       Ab Rauf said Barisan is expected to unveil its manifesto virtually tomorrow.

       At a separate press conference, Mas Ermieyati, when asked about her chances against her former mentor in Barisan, said she hoped voters will evaluate her based on her performance as the Masjid Tanah MP.

       Tanjung Bidara is a state seat under the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency.

       “In a competition, everyone has a fair chance of winning.

       “The voters have seen me carrying out my duties here for years. I will leave it to them to assess my performance as an MP,” said the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law), who left Umno to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia after Pakatan’s win in the 14th General Election.

       Mas Ermieyati also said the biggest challenge for new candidates in this state election is the lack of opportunity to introduce themselves in person to voters because of Covid-19 rules.

       “I hope the media will provide coverage to all new candidates because they need the exposure,” she said.

       She added that she will be utilising a hybrid style of campaigning including utilising social media platforms to reach out to voters.

       The Election Commission has banned ceramah, gatherings, door-to-door and face-to-face campaigning for the Melaka polls.

       Both Ab Rauf and Mas Ermieyati have been identified as chief ministerial candidates should their coalition emerge victorious.