Akmal plotting move for Jasin parliamentary seat?

Umno's Dr Akmal Saleh may be plotting to contest the Jasin parliamentary seat in the upcoming general election, according to analysts. The Umno Youth chief has hinted at not defending his Merlimau state seat in the forthcoming Melaka polls. Contesting in nearby state seats like Sungai Rambai or Serkam could help Akmal expand his support base across Jasin, potentially enhancing his chances of securing a parliamentary position in GE16, suggests Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Both Merlimau, Serkam, Sungai Rambai, Rim and Bemban are within Jasin's federal constituency. If Akmal wins with a significant majority, Umno might request the Jasin seat, as PAS only secured it by a narrow 322-vote margin in the 2022 general election, according to Syaza. However, Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia warns that this move could strain relations between Umno and PAS, especially considering the two parties are reportedly mulling electoral cooperation ahead of GE16.

Jasin is currently a PAS seat, but Umno is aiming to reclaim parliamentary seats in Melaka, which are scarce. If Umno insists on contesting Jasin, it could potentially create issues within its relationship with PAS. Akmal has been a strong advocate for an Umno-PAS alliance, viewing it as a means to unify Malay politics. He even threatened to abstain from the state polls if BN opts to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan.

On Wednesday, the Melaka executive councillor indicated his intention to abandon Merlimau in favor of contesting either Serkam or Sungai Rambai. The Star later reported that BN had consented to step aside for PAS in Merlimau, with the Islamic party poised to field Melaka's head, Zulkifli Ismail. Sungai Rambai and Serkam are Umno strongholds that have remained loyal to the party since 2021, although BN managed to hold onto Serkam by a razor-thin 79 votes in 2021.

BN emerged victorious in Serkam in a four-way race, with PH and independent candidates trailing far behind. Akmal himself was elected to Merlimau assemblyman in 2021 with a 3,248-vote majority. Melaka will hold elections on November 14, with nominations due on October 31.