JASIN: Previously a Barisan Nasional election volunteer, Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar (pic) now finds herself in a different role this election – as a candidate.

       “Before this I was just (part of) the machinery, but now I am a candidate and the current standard operating procedure is a total game changer.

       “As a first-timer, this is the norm I have to adapt to. We have to obey and find creative ways to campaign. Every day is different,” she said when met here yesterday.

       While Khaidirah – fondly known by her family and friends as Dira – may be a newcomer contesting for the Rim state seat, the daughter of late Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Abu Zahar Isnin is a familiar face here.“Most of my family and relatives are here in Rim. My mother is from Jasin and my late father was from Merlimau.

       “This is quite a nostalgic place for me because my family grew up here,” said the former actress.

       Dira revealed that the first thing she did after her nomination on Monday was visit her father’s grave.Abu Zahar was the Melaka chief minister from 1997 to 1999.

       Dira is in a three-cornered fight against Perikatan Nasional candidate Azalina Abdul Rahman and Pakatan Harapan’s Prasanth Kumar Brakasam.She is among the 24 new faces fielded by Barisan in the Melaka state polls.

       The Umno supreme council member still relies on the traditional method of campaigning, using pamphlets and banners to reach out to voters at the rural Umno stronghold seat.

       Whenever she gets a chance to stop at a shop or stall, Dira will talk to the locals and gather their feedback.

       As a youth candidate, the 37-year-old said it is an honour for her to represent her party as a candidate.

       Dira said that if she gets elected, she would like to help local businesses and families get back on their feet post-Covid-19.