Bersama to field Umno Youth chief's brother, 14 others in Malacca polls

Bersama is set to field 15 party members in the upcoming Malacca state election, including the brother of Umno Youth chief and Merlimau state assemblyperson Dr Akmal Saleh.

Dr Solehin, 40, a former Amanah member, will be contesting Bemban.

Bersama's profile of Solehin (above) shows the medical doctor was active in grassroots work while in Amanah, before joining Bersama in May.

Speaking after the candidate announcement last night, Solehin, who previously served as a Jasin Municipal Council member overseeing the Bemban zone, dismissed initial perceptions that the political contest could affect his relationship with his younger brother, Akmal.

“My parents are also giving their support to their children. Although people have said, especially in the media, that we are fighting.

“No, we are not fighting, we are very close. He is a good younger brother, and I am a good older brother. Everything is fine. I hope issues involving siblings will not become a problem,” he told reporters.

Serving the people

On the role and narrative surrounding the contest with traditional parties in Malacca, Solehin said his ties with the local community had long been established through community work.

“Actually, I have been involved in politics for roughly the same period as him (Akmal), but I was not in the same party. Previously, I was with Amanah and I resigned.

“So even in my area, in Merlimau and Bemban, we have helped each other, and we have done a lot of NGO work.

“Even before entering politics, we were involved in NGO work. So there is no issue of who overshadows whom; we want to serve. The people can assess and choose what is best,” he said.

In June, Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state election could be called in September, though the state legislative assembly's mandate expires in February next year.

In its statement accompanying the candidate list, Bersama said that the line-up comprises lawyers, doctors, land surveyors, academics, former police officers and technology entrepreneurs.

The party added that most on the list are first-time election runners.

Below is the list of the other 14 candidates:

Kuala Linggi: Land surveyor Ruzsyahriman Jenal
Rembia: Religious teacher Aman Akil Abdul Talib
Gadek: ICT firm managing director Laveen Balaprabhakaran
Machap Jaya: Ex-minister’s officer Prasanth Kumar Brakasam
Sungai Udang: Ex-police officer Ridzuan Abdul Rahman
Paya Rumput: Syariah lawyer Abdul Rashid Abu Bakar
Kelebang: Ex-policy research officer Young Jie Yu
Pengkalan Batu: Lawyer Goh Han Koon
Ayer Keroh: Corporate lawyer Muhaimin Lau Abdullah
Bukit Katil: UTeM lecturer Aliza Che Amran
Kesidang: Medical officer Dr Bryan Kek
Kota Laksamana: STEM activist Ethan Lim Zhi Hao
Telok Mas: Marketing manager Hazwan Mustafa
Serkam: Former chief IT officer Saffie Yasan

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