MELAKA, Oct. 31 -- Two additional state assembly seats to be contested by MCA candidates in the 16th Melaka state election, namely Kota Laksamana and Bandar Hilir, pose a significant challenge for the party to secure the people's mandate in the state, especially from the Chinese community.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said it serves as a platform to gauge public support for the party because the majority of voters in both constituencies are Chinese, and these seats have been dominated by the DAP for several terms.

Wee, who is also the Ayer Hitam member of parliament and a former transport minister, said that the Melaka state election is likened to a referendum to assess the people's support for the Pakatan Harapan government...