MELAKA: Watching their father's dedication and commitment in looking after the welfare of the community has inspired the children of two former chief ministers of Melaka to also enter politics.
They are Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Rim state seat, who is the daughter of the 8th Melaka Chief Minister, the late Datuk Seri Abu Zahar Ithnin, and the BN candidate for the Taboh Naning seat, Zulkiflee Mohd Zin, whose father, Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Abdul Ghani, was the 7th Chief Minister of Melaka.
For Khaidhirah, she grew up watching her father working for the people and that inspired her to be active in politics.
Khaidhirah, who is more affectionately known as 'Dira', said she felt that her father's service and struggle for the society were a responsibility that should be continued.
"I want to continue with that responsibility of serving the people and I left the entertainment world to enter politics to do that," she said when met by Bernama here.
Despite being a daughter of a former Chief Minister, Khaidirah said it was not a ticket for her to win votes.
"I have to proof myself, to serve the people as well as my father, if not better.," she said.
Abu Zahar died at his residence in Merlimau, Jasin, due to complications of diabetes and kidney, on July 12 July, 2013.
Khaidhirah will be in a three -cornered fight for the Rim seat with B. Prasanth Kumar ,representing Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Azalina Abdul Rahman of Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Meanwhile, Zulkiflee said looking at how his father fulfilled his responsibility as an elected representative made him want to follow his footstep.
"I want to follow his way, how he dealt with the constituents. There was no protocol. When people came to see him with problems, he would try to solve them. My late father and his constituents in Melekek (now known as Taboh Naning) were close.
" Insya-Allah , I think I can understand what the people in Taboh Naning want," said Zulkiflee who will be in a three-cornered fight with Abu Hashim Abdul Samad (PN) and Zairi Suboh (PH) for the seat.
The Election Commission has set Nov 20 as polling day for the Melaka state election, with early voting on Nov 16.
The election is called following the dissolution of the state assembly on Oct 4 after four state assemblymen withdrew support for the Chief Minister.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Nov 13 2021
Watching their father's dedication and commitment in looking after the welfare of the community has inspired the children of two former chief ministers of Melaka - Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar and Zulkiflee Mohd Zin - to also enter politics. - BERNAMA
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.