PAS is expected to contest the Merlimau state seat in the upcoming Melaka election, with a party insider claiming that Barisan Nasional (BN) has agreed to make way for the party’s Melaka commissioner, Zulkifli Ismail.
The insider said Zulkifli, who is currently the Jasin MP, would contest the seat held by Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Merlimau falls within the Jasin parliamentary constituency.
‘Yes, it’s true Ustaz Tuan Zulkifli is the candidate for Merlimau.
‘Wait for Oct 31 for nomination, Bro,’ the insider told The Star on Thursday (Oct 15).
Asked whether Muhamad Akmal had agreed to BN giving way to PAS in the constituency, the insider replied, ‘Yes’.
Akmal hints at contesting another seat
The claim comes a day after Muhamad Akmal hinted that he might not defend Merlimau, naming Serkam and Sungai Rambai as possible constituencies to contest.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday (Oct 14), he thanked Merlimau voters and asked where he should contest next.
However, Muhamad Akmal has yet to confirm whether he will defend the seat or move to another constituency.
Akmal won Merlimau in 2021
Muhamad Akmal won Merlimau in the 2021 Melaka state election with 5,633 votes.
He defeated Pakatan Harapan candidate Azrin Ab Majid, who received 2,385 votes, and Perikatan Nasional candidate Abd Alim Shapie, who garnered 1,622 votes.
Muhamad Akmal retained the seat for BN with a majority of 3,248 votes.
The Election Commission has fixed Nov 14 as polling day for the Melaka state election. Nomination day is Oct 31, while early voting will take place on Nov 10.
