MELAKA: A former member of the navy has announced his intention to contest as an Independent in the upcoming state election and may become the first from the Melaka Sikh community to do so.

       Mohan Singh Booda Singh, 60, said he was eyeing the Gadek state seat in the Nov 20 polls.

       Now a lawyer, he said he decided to contest in the state election as he was eager to promote unity among the locals.

       "I want to spearhead unity and oneness in the local demographic," he said in an interview at a restaurant in Taman Melaka Raya on Tuesday (Nov 2).

       The Malaccan native feels that more effort must be made to unite Malaysians.

       "We can start from the state by turning a racially mixed constituency like Gadek to be the model for the purpose."

       He added that suburbs like Gadek needed more industries to create job and business opportunities for the locals.

       "Currently, the locals are employed either in Tampin (a district in Negri Sembilan) or the historic city," he said.

       Mohan Singh said he would try his best to convince the voters from all backgrounds to support his ambition to bring change to Gadek in various aspects.

       "This is my first time contesting in an election and I will accept whatever the electorate decides.

       "Win or lose, I will continue to promote a harmonious society among the locals," he added.

       The Election Commission has set Nov 8 as nomination day and Nov 20 for polling for the 28 state seats in the Melaka election.