{
  "id": 14092727,
  "title": "Rauf’s predecessor Sulaiman opts out of Melaka polls",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/raufs-predecessor-sulaiman-opts-out-of-melaka-polls",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T02:04:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/13/rauf-s-predecessor-sulaiman-opts-out-of-melaka-polls"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Melaka chief minister Sulaiman Ali, who represented the Lendu constituency for three terms, has announced his decision not to participate in the upcoming state election on November 14. Sulaiman, who served as chief minister from 2020 to 2023 before Ab Rauf Yusoh assumed the position, stated that he had served enough terms in elections, according to Berita Harian.\n\nSulaiman first won his seat in 2013 and held the position of Lendu assemblyman for two additional terms, securing a commanding 3,104-vote majority in the 2021 Melaka polls. With the support of Bersatu, he was appointed chief minister in March 2020, following the downfall of the Pakatan Harapan state government. Rumors circulated after the 2021 state election that Rauf intended to remove Sulaiman from the chief minister's role.\n\nDespite the speculation, Sulaiman remained in office until March 2023, when he unexpectedly resigned as chief minister, though he consistently denied plans to step down. Rauf ultimately took over the chief ministership. Sulaiman denied being forced to resign and urged the people of Melaka to support Rauf.",
  "summary": "The ex-chief minister, who resigned in 2023 to make way for Ab Rauf Yusoh, has decided not to contest the election after representing Lendu for three terms.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sulaiman Ali, former Melaka chief minister, opts out of November 14 election",
    "Served three terms as chief minister from 2020 to 2023",
    "Secured 3,104-vote majority in 2021 Melaka polls"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Sulaiman’s departure from the electoral fray marks the end of a long-standing political tenure and clears the path for his successor to face the Melaka polls without internal competition.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Rauf’s predecessor Sulaiman opts out of Melaka polls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/raufs-predecessor-sulaiman-opts-out-of-melaka-polls-14092747",
        "published": "2026-10-13T02:04:05.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Sulaiman Md Ali opts out of Melaka polls, will not defend Lendu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/sulaiman-md-ali-opts-out-of-melaka-polls-will-not-defend-lendu",
        "published": "2026-10-13T02:48:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}