Melaka turns from tourist magnet to battleground as state polls test Putrajaya’s unity pact

Detailed summary

Voter sentiments are centred on rising inflation, fuel subsidy uncertainties, pace of reforms

Voter sentiments are centred on rising inflation, fuel subsidy uncertainties, pace of reforms

[KUALA LUMPUR] From its Unesco World Heritage legacy to a high-profile endorsement by Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing, Melaka’s cultural allure drew 15.9 million visitors and generated more than RM14.9 billion (US$3.7 billion) in 2025.

Yet this Saturday (Nov 14), the spotlight shifts from tourism receipts to the ballot box as voters head to the polls in a high-stakes state election that market observers view as a vital political barometer for Putrajaya.

At stake is whether Malaysia’s ruling coalition partners can sustain unity or will part ways before the next general election.

Singapore commits S$143 million to fund R&D for industrial decarbonisation

Sheng Siong has fallen from its highs. Can its defensive appeal endure?

DBS, OCBC or UOB? Investors urged to be selective as Q3 reveals widening performance gap

Nvidia, CEO Jensen Huang sued over disclosures related to suspected Chinese spy

Opening of the article, excerpted from The Business Times. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.