Melaka lacks a real capital, says Ab Rauf, who wants Kota Laksamana to be it

Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has set his sights on making Kota Laksamana the state capital if BN wins the seat in the November 14, 2026 state election. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Sunday, 08 Nov 2026 4:49 PM MYT

MELAKA, Nov 8 — Barisan Nasional (BN) wants to turn Kota Laksamana into Melaka’s state capital if it wins the seat in the coming state election, Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said.

He said the idea is part of a plan for a new economic corridor that would reshape the area over the next five years, Berita Harian reported today.

“God willing, I am targeting Kota Laksamana to become the capital of Melaka,” he said at a campaign event at BN’s Kota Laksamana operations room here, attended by MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong and BN candidate Melvin Chua Kew Wei.

He asked who could say where Melaka’s capital is today, then answered that there is none.

“So if we win Kota Laksamana, we will give the people of Kota Laksamana a centre that will become Melaka’s state capital,” he said.

Ab Rauf, who is also acting chief minister, said the corridor would include a medical hub, along with tourism and commercial projects, building on Encore Melaka, Oriental Specialist Hospital and a new shopping centre in Klebang.

He said the work would be done in stages, with the first five years laying the groundwork.

Ab Rauf also said a BN win in Kota Laksamana was not out of reach, expressing confidence that Melvin could spring a surprise.

“Our target is Kota Laksamana, and I think this time, this year, this month, this term, it is not impossible for Melvin to become the assemblyman.

“Time and circumstances call for change, and if we stay where we are, it will be hard to change,” he said.

He said the state government would help provide facilities and cut red tape to speed up development in the area.

Chua faces a three-cornered fight against Pakatan Harapan’s Low Chee Leong of DAP and Parti Bersama Malaysia’s Ethan Lim Zhi Hao.

Low defended the seat in the 2021 election with a majority of 11,494 votes.

Early voting for the 16th Melaka state election is on Tuesday, with polling day this Saturday.