MELAKA, Oct 25 — Melaka PKR is fielding seven new faces among its nine candidates for next month’s state election, as the party seeks to strengthen support for its reform agenda at the state level.

State party acting chairman Adam Adli Abd Halim said PKR needs to work hard to convince voters of the principles and reform agenda it was pursuing at the federal level and ensure they gain acceptance in Melaka.

“Winning the seats contested depends not only on the candidates’ names or personal appeal, but also on their relationships with the community, the strength of their campaign machinery and the agenda they offer.

“Everyone contests an election to win, but candidates must ensure their messages are conveyed effectively to the people throughout the campaign period, while making the interests of the community and voters their top priority,” he told reporters here today.

He was speaking after officiating at the Madani Kita programme with the Ayer Keroh community at Hang Tuah Jaya, held at the Sungai Putat People’s Housing Project (PPR) multipurpose hall in Batu Berendam.

Adam Adli, who is also a member of the party’s Central Leadership Council, said PKR candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to good governance and uphold high standards of conduct and personal integrity when engaging with the community.

Last night, Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the coalition’s 21 candidates for the state election, comprising nine from PKR, seven from DAP and five from Amanah.

The seven new faces fielded by PKR are Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri in Tanjung Bidara, Mohd Khuzairie Mohd Kamal Kannan in Rembia, P Denesh in Asahan, Datuk Azman Abidin in Paya Rumput, Muhammad Hakimin Mokhtar in Ayer Molek, Esma Eazreen Husin in Rim and Muhammad Faiq Azman in Serkam.

The two candidates with previous election experience are Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir in Kelebang and Datuk Ginie Lim Siew Lin in Machap Jaya. — Bernama