{
  "id": 14615723,
  "title": "Dr Akmal hints at possible switch from Merlimau in next Melaka polls",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/dr-akmal-hints-at-possible-switch-from-merlimau-in-next-melaka-polls",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T04:55:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/10/1555988/dr-akmal-hints-possible-switch-merlimau-next-melaka-polls"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has sparked speculation about possibly standing in a different constituency during the upcoming Melaka election, after posting a cryptic message thanking voters in Merlimau. This speculation arises as there are rumors that Merlimau, a seat he won in the 2021 state election, might be distributed to Pas under a potential electoral cooperation deal. On Facebook, Dr Akmal expressed his intention to consider contesting in Serkam or Sungai Rambai, and invited public suggestions on where to go next.\n\nThe post generated mixed reactions on social media. Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim extended a helping hand to Dr Akmal, while others proposed he contemplate running for a parliamentary seat. Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar, Jasin Umno division vice-chief, dismissed the speculation, suggesting that Dr Akmal might have been joking. She questioned the move, asking why he was causing trouble for his friends.\n\nMeanwhile, Pas Melaka information chief Ahmad Bill Rahudin dismissed the speculation that Merlimau would be given to the party, stating that seat negotiations are still in progress. During the 2021 Melaka election, Dr Akmal secured 5,633 votes, defeating Azrin Ab Majid from Pakatan Harapan with 2,385 votes, and Abd Alim Shapie from Perikatan Nasional with 1,622 votes.",
  "summary": "MELAKA: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has fuelled speculation that he may contest a different seat in the upcoming Melaka election after posting a cryptic message thanking voters in Merlimau.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "Akmal set to give up Merlimau to PAS, eyeing other safe seats",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/akmal-set-to-give-up-merlimau-to-pas-eyeing-other-safe-seats",
        "published": "2026-10-15T01:57:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "PN finalises political pact nearing 100pct for Melaka polls, says Takiyuddin",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/pn-finalises-political-pact-nearing-100pct-for-melaka-polls-says",
        "published": "2026-10-15T06:08:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}