{
  "id": 1068079,
  "title": "Bersama names candidates for 15 seats in Melaka polls",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/bersama-names-candidates-for-15-seats-in-melaka-polls",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T15:41:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/15/bersama-announces-candidates-for-15-seats-in-melaka-polls"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bersama, a new political party, has announced its candidates for 15 seats in the upcoming Melaka state election. Party leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad revealed that the party needs more time to familiarize itself with the voters. One surprising candidate is Dr Solehin Saleh, who will contest in Bemban on behalf of Bersama. Ahmad stated that announcing candidates early helps the party introduce themselves to voters faster, as meeting voters in person can have a significant impact. The next Melaka state election is expected to take place by late February 2027, although Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh has hinted it could occur as early as September. Bersama's first electoral experience was in the July 11 Johor polls, where they lost all their candidates' deposits. The party's Melaka candidates include Ruzsyahriman Jenal in Kuala Linggi, Aman Akil Abdul Talib in Rembia, B Laveen in Gadek, B Prasanth Kumar in Machap Jaya, Ridzuan Abdul Rahman in Sungai Udang, Abdul Rashid Abu Bakar in Paya Rumput, Yong Jie Yu in Kelebang, Goh Han Koon in Pengkalan Batu, Muhaimin Lau Abdullah in Ayer Keroh, Aliza Che Amran in Bukit Katil, Bryan Kek in Kesidang, Ethan Lim in Kota Laksamana, Hazwan Mustafa in Telok Mas, and Dr Solehin Saleh in Bemban.",
  "summary": "Among them is Dr Solehin Saleh, brother of Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who will contest Bemban.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Pas says GE16 could be held anytime amid PH-BN tensions, Melaka polls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/pas-says-ge16-could-be-held-anytime-amid-ph-bn-tensions-melaka-polls",
        "published": "2026-08-15T05:40:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "PKR should use own logo again, starting with Melaka polls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/pkr-should-use-own-logo-again-starting-with-melaka-polls",
        "published": "2026-08-15T06:55:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}