15 Melaka independents set up their own election bloc

 

Norazlanshah Hazali (centre) with the independent candidates who have formed their own election bloc. (Bernama pic)

MELAKA: Fifteen of the 22 independent candidates contesting in the Melaka state elections have agreed to establish an independent grouping for the campaign period.

Serkam seat candidate Norazlanshah Hazali said the movement was established because of their determination to stabilise the state’s political situation.

“So far, 15 independent candidates have agreed while the rest are still discussing the matter. We are all Independent candidates, not tied to any party, and we do not want to be tied to any as well,” he told a media conference here today.

He said they plan to raise several issues during the campaign, including health and welfare.

The 22 independent candidates are contesting in 16 constituencies. Among them is Norhizam Hassan Baktee, formerly of DAP, who seeks re-election in Pengkalan Batu.

Norazlanshah said all 15 candidates in the independent grouping will sign statutory declarations which would prohibit them from forming new political parties or party hop should they be offered memberships of any party after the elections.

“We are also ready to quit as assemblymen, and the public can even bring us to court to vacate our seats, if we are found to have violated the terms of our declarations,” he said. - FMT