Melaka: Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam has called for smooth, transparent, and professional preparations for the next Melaka state election. He emphasized that logistics, security, and the implementation of the Melaka state polls must be managed with high integrity to ensure public confidence in the democratic system is preserved. Addressing the Melaka State Legislative Assembly at Seri Negeri, Mohd Ali highlighted the importance of maintaining democratic practices as the fifth session of the Assembly is set to conclude in December, paving the way for upcoming state polls.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Ali also addressed the impact of global geopolitical tensions, particularly those in West Asia. He noted that these tensions not only influence international security but also have significant implications for the global economy. He underscored the crucial role of the Strait of Hormuz in global oil trade and warned of potential disruptions to energy supplies, increased oil prices, and their subsequent ripple effects on the global economy, impacting countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mohd Ali pointed out that Malaysia is experiencing these effects through rising energy import costs, inflationary pressures, and increased operating costs in various sectors. He emphasized that this situation indirectly pressures the people's cost of living, necessitating effective government mitigation measures. He further noted that Melaka is particularly affected in the industrial, logistics, and tourism sectors, which rely on stable fuel costs and supply chains.

He urged the state government to bolster economic resilience by diversifying the economy, improving energy efficiency, and increasing the use of technology and innovation to reduce dependency on external factors. Additionally, he stressed the importance of effectively managing the state's food supply to ensure that Melaka's residents have access to sufficient, stable, and reasonably priced food supplies.