THE launch of manifestos is usually one of the most highly-anticipated events during elections, for the lack of anything interesting such as scandalous gossips.
Here, where the state election is taking place ahead of the 15th General Election before a host of unprepared political blocs — despite the dreary claims of "kami senantiasa bersedia" (we are always ready) — the wait for the respective chief minister candidate probably tops the bucket list of those who may have seen too many monsoons.
Such announcements are usually highlighted during the presentation of a contesting party's manifesto, or pledges to the voters, at the start of the race.
But before that, let's give the manifestos a cursory view.
The pledges made by Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan on Wednesday, amid a stale campaigning drive by both political giants, were narrated by the need to return the livelihood to the people following a two-year economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
BN's manifesto for example, apart from the fiscal olive branch and job opportunities within the fishing industry, also touched on the need to appoint additional assemblymen from youth groups and non-governmental organisations; arguably, a fresh proposal in the peninsula's political landscape.
In short, BN also wants to introduce more politicians, which on hindsight, is not really a popular plan nowadays.
On the other hand, PH too made similar promises on uplifting the economy, health and education, among others. Their pledges were also rebranded as "action plans", to provide "oomph" to its campaign.
And, as expected, it is also laced with the narrative on returning the original mandate that PH had won in the 14th General Election, thus championing the call to restore the ruling power it had lost due to massive crossovers.
Ironically, PH is now on the receiving end at the mere mention of "frogs".
As for Perikatan Nasional, its manifesto was only revealed on Thursday night in Selangor, not here, perhaps out of fear of Covid-19. It had opted to wait and see the promises doled out by its competitors before coming out guns blazing with promises that their candidates will each sign an anti-corruption pledge.
Now let's get back to the chief minister candidates.
For BN, its caretaker chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali has been renamed as the candidate for the post, amid fervent rumours propping Melaka Umno chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh as a contender to the office.
But the big man has been an easy target for many due to his close ties with controversial former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Rauf is running for a state seat for the first time in his political career, and he knows the Tanjung Bidara constituents like the back of his hand, as claimed by his campaigners.
The announcement of Sulaiman's candidacy has been hoped to ease any existing tension from within the rank-and-file, but the image of Rauf smoking his cigar (instead of the B40-centric rokok john) remains a domineering figure in the eyes of party members, at least for now.
Meanwhile, PH had earlier landed itself in a pickle when several circles in the party whispered gossips of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim favouring former Umno leader Datuk Seri Idris Haron over Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari as the next chief minister. Anwar may have asked himself, which former chief minister is the best this time around?
It was said that Idris could rake in substantial support from the Malay vote bank and his inclusion in PH was wholeheartedly endorsed by several Amanah leaders behind a closed-door meet. Little was said about Adly, who by the way, is an Amanah vice-president.
However, this did not sit well with DAP — not Amanah — which made public of its apprehension against Idris. It demanded Adly to be renamed the chief minister candidate and said no "frogs" should be allowed to leap into power.
Anwar gave in, and Adly had on Wednesday given the thumbs-up from the rostrum while presenting his coalition's manifesto.
Currently, it remains uncertain if Idris will get the desired election machinery support from DAP for the state seat of Asahan, following the nomination of Adly as the next chief minister.
Now, PN has yet to confirm its chief minister candidate, unless it does so after this article sees print.
The leaders are tight-lipped on their candidates, but word is swirling around Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin's candidacy. The Masjid Tanah member of parliament's apparent leadership qualities have been affirmed by Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
Mas Ermieyati is facing Rauf in Tanjung Bidara. A victory will boost the former Umno leader's reputation as a giant killer. She could be the first woman chief minister in the country and break the monotony of old men dominating the top post.
Nevertheless, PN needs to name its chief minister candidate quickly, or risk losing its campaign direction.
Rauf believes the people are angry at Mas Ermieyati for crossing over to Bersatu. Then again, there is still another week to go until polling day.
