The state election is set to be another litmus test to find out if political party brands still hold sway on a candidate's winnability.
In the aftermath of the 14th General Election and unprecedented change of government after 22 months, observers pointed out that some voters were disillusioned with the political parties' brand and objectives.
Locals too, when met, expressed uncertainty if voting a candidate based on party alone would benefit them in the long run.
"If I voted someone known for his integrity, I can rest easy without worrying about frogs who do not care about the constituents.
"While that is not a 100 per cent assurance that it (jumping party) will not happen, at least I would have done my part to ensure the government's stability," said a food delivery rider known as Qassim.
With only four more days to the polls, politicians too have to dig deep in analysing voting patterns to look for advantages.
Some were drawn to the words on the ground about former DAP assemblyman Norhizam Hassan Baktee's track record in the Pengkalan Batu seat, which he won with a 2,756 vote-majority in 2018.
Norhizam, known for his temper and expletives, is said to be a hardworking representative who did not mince his words when it comes to delivering services to his constituents. Observers are saying that Norhizam, now running as an independent, may successfully retain the seat, albeit with a lower margin. His story has become a sort of inspiration to other candidates who are going against household names.
Masjid Tanah member of parliament Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, who is running against Melaka Umno chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh for the Tanjung Bidara seat, agrees that voters have become sophisticated in analysing their decisions.
"There was this survey that I acquired from UiTM, where voters (in college electorals) tend to base their picks on the personality of candidates, instead of party or factions.
"I see this as an advantage (in a bigger picture) for PN, which introduces candidates of credible characters.
"This is an advantage for us if the voters' pick is based on candidates' track record."
She said while it was well-known that Tanjung Bidara was a BN stronghold, feelers on the ground sent a varied message.
"Based on the reports that I received, they (voters) do not care about which party I am representing. But I do not want to be complacent.
"Yes, the voting trend will change (towards preferring candidates' personality). The whole scenario (in other state seats) will change as well."
Mas Ermieyati believes that the change in mindset is also prevalent among elderly voters.
"Yes, of course, you still have some of the elderly ones who are totok BN (hardcore BN supporters). A more fluid change is taking place among the young.
"I have met some youths who want their representatives to listen and engage with their constituents. They did not talk about parties. They have their own criteria. This is the trend now."
However, Universiti Malaya's Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi, however, said the voting trend based on candidates' personality was not as prevalent as one may think.
"There is such a trend but it is not that all-encompassing. This is because the character-based trend is common among younger voters or those below 40.
"But that too depends on the level of political literacy and change in political culture.
"An all-out change will require a high political comprehension and maturity before such a trend can take place," he said.
