Party heavyweights descended on Malacca today as nominations opened for the Nov 14 state election, with rival coalitions flexing their political muscle through large gatherings of supporters, ministers and senior leaders.

From lion dance performances and flag-waving to competing chants of “reformasi” and “hidup Islam” (long live Islam), supporters began gathering as early as 7am, turning nomination centres across the state into a colourful display of political rivalry.

Leading the BN contingent was its chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who accompanied caretaker chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh to defend his Tanjung Bidara seat.

Rauf, who won the constituency with a narrow 364-vote majority in 2021, faces Pakatan Harapan's Yunazri Mustamiri, who was accompanied by PKR vice-president Chang Lih Kang.