Melaka Election: Friday Sermon Urges Voters to Choose Leaders With Integrity and Ability

MELAKA, November 13, 2026 – Muslim voters in Melaka were urged in Friday sermons across the state to choose leaders who have integrity, ability and credibility, and who put justice and the people’s welfare first, on the eve of the 16th Melaka state election.

The call was contained in the Friday sermon text titled “Menunaikan Tanggungjawab Demi Masa Hadapan” (Fulfilling Our Responsibility for the Future), which was read in mosques throughout Melaka, Bernama reported. Sinar Harian and Malaysia Gazette reported that the text was prepared by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM). The sermon did not name or favour any party or candidate.

The sermon described elections as an important part of the country’s system of government, in which the people are given the responsibility of choosing representatives to carry the trust of leadership, fight for the welfare of society and set the direction of development. It said that in Islam, leadership is not merely about position, fame or power, but a great responsibility for which a leader will be answerable to God in the hereafter.

It set out three guides for choosing leaders: integrity, ability and credibility, and a commitment to justice and the people’s welfare. “A good leader is one who is honest and responsible and does not abuse power for the benefit of himself, his family or a particular group,” the text said, adding that sincerity alone is not enough without the ability to carry out the job.

According to the text, leaders also need knowledge, wisdom, experience and the ability to manage the people’s interests, and must be ready to work and serve rather than simply being good at making promises. Malaysia Gazette quoted the sermon as telling worshippers: “Do not be captivated by beautiful words, attractive slogans or promises that are not grounded in real ability. Judge a candidate by his character, record of service, ability and commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities.”

The sermon also urged voters to give priority to leaders who understand the hardships of ordinary people, defend the weak and work for the well-being of society regardless of background. It reminded worshippers that differences in political views should not become a reason for hostility, broken family ties or hatred, including among relatives, neighbours and friends.

“Do not let differences in choice destroy the unity that has long been built. We may differ in choosing leaders, but we still share the same homeland, future and responsibility,” the sermon said, according to Bernama.

According to Malaysia Gazette, the text also called on worshippers to avoid slander, insults, the spreading of false news and personal attacks, particularly on social media, and to reject corruption and money politics. It said those given the mandate should carry out their duties honestly, while candidates who are not elected should accept the result with an open heart and continue to serve the community.

Campaigning for the election ends at 11.59pm on Friday. The Election Commission (EC) has said 675,166 ordinary voters are eligible to cast their ballots on Saturday (November 14) to fill 28 state assembly seats, with 79 candidates contesting following nomination on October 31, Bernama reported. In the previous Melaka state election on November 20, 2021, BN won 21 of the 28 seats, PH won five and PN two.

Source : Bernama, Sinar Harian, Malaysia Gazette

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