MELAKA: Although he grew up in a political family, Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for Pengkalan Batu state seat, Mohd Azrudin Md Idris said that contesting in the Melaka state election for the first time is a new challenge in his life.

The 40-year-old Bersatu member said that having to campaign in new norms following the COVID-19 pandemic was something he is determined to overcome to fulfill his dream of helping Malaysians.

Mohd Azrudin, is the son of veteran politician Hazizah Mohd Sultan, 74, who was active in politics since the 1970s, holding several important positions, including Melaka Wanita UMNO chief and a senatorship, as well as serving as Tangga Batu assemblyman previously.

"In politics it has perhaps become hereditary...maybe it's the familial link but actually my involvement is more towards helping the people. I feel good when I can assist in solving their problems, especially the poor...when I see them smile, I'm happy and glad.

"This is my first experience contesting and I am serious about entering politics compared to previously...it is challenging and I hope for a positive response from constituents in Pengkalan Batu, especially voters here," he told reporters during a visit to an area hit by flash floods in Jalan Kampung Pulau Kelapa Bukit Baru here today.

The businessman said he relied on integrity to solve issues faced by residents in the constituency, especially the frequent flash floods.

He said several areas in the constituency, including Kampung Pulau Kelapa, Kampung Sarang Helang, Batu Hampar and Kampung Pasir Puteh were prone to flash floods, which occur more than three times a year, causing losses among residents.

"What we see is flash flooding repeatedly occurring...I also received complaints from youth, especially students, about slow Internet speeds even though Pengkalan Batu is an urban area and fibre optic use is common," he said.

On his campaign approach, he said he uses social media to reach voters and also distributes pamphlets about his mission and visions to voters' homes.

Mohd Azrudin will face a five-corner fight against Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Independent), Datuk Kalsom Noordin (Barisan Nasional), Muhamad Danish Zainudin (Pakatan Harapan) and Dr Mohd Aluwi Sari (Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia).

During the 14th General Election, the Pengkalan Batu state seat was won by Datuk Norhizam Hassan with a majority of 2,756. He was in DAP at the time, but contested under PKR's logo, beating Chua Lian Chye (Barisan Nasional) and Ramli Dalip (PAS).

-- BERNAMA