MELAKA: The presence of Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin as a challenger in the Tanjung Bidara state constituency as a Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate could be a game changer to the political scenario in Melaka and country, said PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.

''It's going to be a game changer if she wins (Melaka election).

"(This) proves that the people understand, what is important to us is the candidate who is not only young but capable of serving the people," he told the media here today.

He said the hard work of Mas Ermieyati as a two-term MP and her appointment as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department proves her credibility as a leader.

''This is the hope for the people and it shows they are ready to find a leader of integrity and one who could lead them in future. We do not want to listen to hearsays. So I am confident she could deliver victory to PN," he said.

In fact, according to Hamzah, several issues which arose also gave grounds to the Masjid Tanah MP as the better candidate.

Mas Ermieyati who is also the first woman MP in Melaka would be clashing with Melaka UMNO liaison committee chairman, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf (BN) and Zainal Hassan of Pakatan Harapan in the Melaka election on Nov 20.

Meanwhile, Hamzah who is also Home Minister hoped his party's machinery would not violate any standard operating procedure (SOP) stipulated by the Election Commission (EC).

Despite facing new approaches and SOP, he considered it as a fair challenge to all contesting parties and candidates.

-- BERNAMA