Akmal plotting move for Jasin parliamentary seat?

Umno’s Dr Akmal Saleh has hinted at leaving his Merlimau seat to contest in Serkam or Sungai Rambai during the upcoming Melaka state polls, according to analysts. Shukri Syaza, from the International Islamic University Malaysia, suggests that contesting in these state seats could help Akmal broaden his support base in Jasin, potentially strengthening his chances for a parliamentary bid in the 2026 general election (GE16).

Merlimau, Serkam, Sungai Rambai, Rim and Bemban are all state seats within Jasin's federal constituency. Syaza notes that it's common for prominent leaders like Akmal to shift from state to parliamentary level. If Akmal wins with a strong majority, Umno could request Jasin, as PAS only won the parliamentary seat in Jasin with a slim 322-vote majority in the 2022 general election, Shukri tells FMT.

However, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's Mazlan Ali warns that such a move may complicate relations between Umno and PAS, given rumors of electoral cooperation between the two parties ahead of the 2026 GE. Jasin is currently a PAS seat, but Umno is keen to regain parliamentary seats in Melaka, which are scarce. If Umno sticks to contesting Jasin, it could create problems in its relationship with PAS.

Akmal has backed an Umno-PAS alliance, viewing it as a means to promote Malay political unity. He even threatened to skip the state polls if Barisan Nasional cooperates with Pakatan Harapan. On Wednesday, the Melaka executive councillor suggested leaving Merlimau to contest another seat in the upcoming state polls, possibly running in Serkam or Sungai Rambai.

BN has reportedly agreed to give PAS the Merlimau seat, with the Islamic party fielding Zulkifli Ismail, the head of its Melaka chapter. Sungai Rambai and Serkam are Umno strongholds that have remained in the party's control, although BN retained Serkam with a slim majority in 2021. BN won Serkam with a four-cornered race, beating the Perikatan Nasional candidate by 79 votes, with PH and independent candidates trailing far behind.

Akmal secured election as Merlimau's assemblyman in 2021 with a majority of 3,248 votes. Melaka votes on November 14, with nominations set for October 31.