Tok Mat acknowledges disappointment among Sulaiman’s supporters

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan acknowledged discontent among Sulaiman Ali’s supporters following his removal as the Barisan Nasional candidate for Lendu state seat in the upcoming Melaka election. Hasan stated that such dissatisfaction following nomination day is normal, but Sulaiman’s participation alongside BN’s Lendu candidate Hakim Wahid during campaigning demonstrated his dedication to the coalition.

"There will always be supporters unhappy when a candidate is replaced," Hasan told reporters after meeting residents in Kampung Durian Daun. He emphasized that Sulaiman’s decision to campaign with Hakim does not indicate that voters have turned against BN. Hasan further noted that BN’s campaign machinery in Lendu was operating efficiently, with Hakim actively meeting voters across villages.

The Umno leader urged party workers to focus on face-to-face interaction, clarify issues for voters, and avoid insulting or disparaging their opponents. Sulaiman represented Lendu since 2013 and served as Melaka's 12th chief minister from 2020 to 2023, winning the seat with a 3,104-vote majority in 2021. He was dropped as a BN candidate for the upcoming state election, with Hakim replacing him.

Hakim, a former political secretary to Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh, will contest the seat solely against Bersatu’s Nazri Ramli.