Avoid 3R provocations, campaign fairly, maturely and with dignity, Azalina tells Melaka poll candidates

MELAKA, Nov 1 — All candidates, party campaign machinery and supporters of parties contesting the 16th Melaka State Election have been urged to campaign in a fair, mature and dignified manner throughout the 14-day campaign period.

Umno Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said also reminded them to comply with election laws and regulations set by the Election Commission (EC), respect differing views and avoid provocations involving sensitivities related to religion, race and the royal institution (3R).

“Elections should provide an opportunity for candidates to present and debate their ideas, policies and public service commitments, not create hostility or deepen divisions among the people,” she said in a statement yesterday.

Azalina stressed Barisan Nasional’s (BN) position that election campaigns should be centred on candidates’ credentials, service records, manifestos and policy proposals to help voters evaluate their capabilities, experience and vision for Melaka’s future.

She said BN would not engage in smear campaigns or black PR, as the coalition wanted to secure a mandate based on its own strengths rather than by undermining others, emphasising that the people of Melaka had the right to make their choices based on facts, not slander or hatred.

Azalina, also the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), reminded the public to be more vigilant about the challenges posed by the digital environment and make it a habit to verify sources, check facts and think before sharing information.

She urged the public to report content suspected of containing false news, defamatory material, impersonation or 3R-related violations through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s official channels, while election offences should be reported to the EC, police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

“For content taken down by digital platforms, users can make use of the appeals channels provided by the respective platforms. They should also keep all relevant evidence, including screenshots, links and timestamps, to ensure that any complaints can be properly reviewed,” she said.

Meanwhile, she said Umno’s information machinery at all levels should place greater emphasis on strengthening its digital communications campaign, as social media has become one of the main channels through which voters obtain information and form their views in yesterday’s political landscape.

According to Azalina, the fact that 43.6 per cent of Melaka’s electorate comprises voters aged between 21 and 40 underscores the need for Umno to adopt a more dynamic, creative and youth-oriented communications approach.

“Make sure the digital space is filled with accurate information, engaging content and explanations that are factual and conveyed responsibly,” she said.

Azalina also called on voters to assess each candidate and the proposals put forward rationally and maturely, based on facts, and to fulfil their responsibility on polling day.

Early voting for the 16th Melaka state polls is scheduled for Nov 10, while polling day is set for Nov 14.

For the latest updates on the 16th Melaka State Election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/ — Bernama

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