Bayangan pindah DUN, Akmal mungkin catur strategi ke Parlimen Jasin, kata penganalisis

Dr. Akmal Saleh has indicated he may abandon his DUN Merlimau seat and lead Serkam or Sungai Rambai within the Jasin Parliament, suggesting he is strategizing for the upcoming PRU16, according to a political analyst. However, the move is risky as it could create confusion over his allegiance to PAS, the current holders of Jasin Parliament.

Syaza Shukri remarks that such a shift might be a preparation for Akmal to build broader support in Jasin, especially if he aspires to rise to the national stage in the next general election. Furthermore, if successful, Akmal and Umno might prefer contesting Jasin due to PAS' narrow win (with 322 votes in PRU15). Mazlan Ali of UTM shares a similar viewpoint, stating that if the scenario occurs, there is no objection to potentially sparking controversy between the relationship of Umno and PAS, which they claim to be in favor of cooperation till PRU16.

Jasin is traditionally a PAS region, but it is also where Umno is preparing a new seat, a situation that could cause some friction in future relations with PAS. Historically, Akmal has been one of the prominent Umno leaders advocating for cooperation between Umno and PAS under the banner of national unity. Mala, a former Melaka exco, has no issue with not contesting PRN Melaka if BN unites with Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Akmal had represented Merlimau DUN since the 2021 PRN, winning with a majority of 3,248 votes. However, Serkam was won by BN with 79 votes and Sungai Rambai with 1,137 votes. Yet, there are also speculations that PAS might contest Merlimau if cooperation with Umno becomes a reality, though this has not been confirmed.