Melaka:Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Pengkalan Batu state seat, Jason Tze-Xi Nathan, has demonstrated that political differences do not hinder mutual respect with a former colleague, Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee, even as they compete for the same seat in the 16th Melaka state election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jason is involved in a four-cornered contest against Norhizam, a former Pengkalan Batu assemblyman now with Bersatu. He was seen engaging with residents and members of a different party's campaign team while campaigning at an eatery in Kampung Solok Musai.

Jason, a national committee member of DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY), emphasized the continued respect between him and Norhizam, noting their past collaboration in DAP. Despite their divergent political paths, the two have maintained cordial relations, as evidenced by Jason's visits to Norhizam's home during Hari Raya and their interactions at the nomination center.

Jason expressed his commitment to a clean campaign, focusing on his service offer to around 26,000 voters in the constituency, rather than engaging in personal attacks or questioning opponents' records. He highlighted the democratic process that allows qualified individuals to contest and voters to evaluate candidates' offerings.

The Pengkalan Batu contest also includes candidates Siti Aisyah Mahmood of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Goh Han Koon of Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama). Polling is scheduled for November 14, with early voting on November 10.