Melaka Governor Urges Smooth, Transparent Preparations For State Polls

MELAKA, April 24 (Bernama) — Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam has called for smooth, transparent and professional preparations for the next Melaka state election.

He said logistics, security and the implementation of the Melaka state polls must be managed with high integrity to ensure public confidence in the democratic system is preserved.

“We are now in the fifth session, which is the final year of the 15th Melaka State Legislative Assembly. In view of this, Melaka will go through the state election process as part of a democratic practice that must be respected and upheld,” he said when opening the Melaka State Legislative Assembly sitting at Seri Negeri here today.

The fifth session of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly is scheduled to end in December, paving the way for the state polls this year.

Commenting on the global geopolitical situation, particularly the West Asia conflict, Mohd Ali said it not only affects international security but also has an impact on the global economy.

“The tensions taking place have a direct implication on the global energy supply chain, especially when it involves strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which is the main artery of global oil trade.

“Any disruption along this route has the potential to affect energy supplies, increase oil prices and create ripple effects on the global economy, including countries in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

Mohd Ali said these effects are also felt in Malaysia through rising energy import costs, inflationary pressures and increased operating costs in the transport, manufacturing and services sectors.

He said this situation indirectly places pressure on the people’s cost of living and requires effective mitigation measures from the government.

He added that Melaka is also affected, particularly in the industrial, logistics and tourism sectors, which depend on stable fuel costs and supply chains.

“Therefore, I hope the state government will continue to strengthen economic resilience through economic diversification, improved energy efficiency, and increased use of technology and innovation to reduce dependence on external factors.

“The state’s food supply must also be managed effectively and systematically to ensure that the people of Melaka always have sufficient, stable and reasonably priced food supplies,” he said.

— BERNAMA