MELAKA, Nov 6 – More women are contesting in the 2026 Melaka State Election, reflecting growing opportunities for female leaders to take part in politics and public decision-making.
The increased participation also suggests that political parties are placing greater importance on candidates’ abilities, experience and leadership potential rather than their gender.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) is fielding the highest number of women candidates, with six nominees.
Barisan Nasional (BN) has four women candidates, followed by Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) with two. Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) are each fielding one woman candidate.
Women’s Representation Shows Gradual Growth
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Melaka senior lecturer Dr Shafezah Abdul Wahab said women make up 17.7 per cent of candidates in this election.
This is an increase from approximately 14 per cent in the previous Melaka state election.
She described the development as encouraging, although progress remains slow.
According to her, some political parties may still be fielding women candidates mainly to meet representation targets.
However, she noted that more women are now being considered for competitive constituencies, including Machap Jaya, Kelebang and Rim.
She also highlighted the challenges faced by female candidates, including limited campaign funding, male-dominated political structures and traditional public attitudes.
Despite these barriers, voters are increasingly looking at candidates’ accessibility, performance and service to the community rather than their gender.
Women Bring Community Issues Into Politics
Shafezah said greater female representation could help bring more attention to issues affecting families and local communities.
These include the rising cost of living, household welfare and the financial challenges faced by women.
She added that having more women elected could also encourage a more inclusive state administration.
Women should have opportunities to lead different government portfolios instead of being limited mainly to welfare and women’s affairs.
Female Candidates Highlight Their Leadership Roles
PH candidate for the Taboh Naning state seat, 41-year-old Junainah Sahat, said women have the skills, ideas and creativity needed to contribute to public administration.
She believes leaders should be judged by their achievements and contributions rather than their gender.
Junainah, who previously focused on entrepreneurship, also acknowledged the challenges of balancing political commitments with family responsibilities.
As a mother of six, she said careful time management and family support are important, particularly during the demanding election campaign.
Meanwhile, PH candidate for Kelebang, 26-year-old Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir, said women’s participation in politics creates opportunities to raise issues that might otherwise receive less attention.
She highlighted the financial pressures faced by housewives, especially those managing large families with limited household income.
Farzana also wants to focus on the needs of young women who care for family members or live far from their support networks.
Beyond women’s issues, she said her campaign also focuses on young people, fishermen and farmers.
She believes understanding problems directly from local communities is essential before working with relevant agencies to find solutions.
Melaka Voters to Head to the Polls on Nov 14
The growing number of female candidates marks an important development in the representation of women in Malaysian politics.
However, the real impact will depend on whether more women secure electoral victories and receive opportunities to contribute to government leadership.
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka State Election, while early voting will take place on Nov 10.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
