{
  "id": 17323279,
  "title": "Melaka polls: Azman first to arrive at Paya Rumput nomination centre",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/melaka-polls-azman-first-to-arrive-at-paya-rumput-nomination-centre",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T01:35:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1567391/melaka-polls-azman-first-arrive-paya-rumput-nomination-centre"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Melaka's political landscape witnessed an early start to the nomination process for the Paya Rumput constituency when Pakatan Harapan candidate, Datuk Azman Abidin, arrived at the nomination centre at Hang Jebat Stadium. Azman, who serves as the political secretary to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was the first to report to the venue, doing so at around 8.40am. The process for the 16th Melaka election was about to begin.\n\nAzman was among several candidates vying for the seat, with the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas) expected to field Rafiah Mat, and Bersatu naming Abdul Rashid Abu Bakar as their candidate. Prior to his arrival, more than 200 supporters of the Pakatan Harapan party had gathered at the venue as early as 7.30am. These supporters were led by PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who was present at the stadium to show his backing for Azman as the coalition ramped up its campaigning efforts in the area.\n\nAzman had previously expressed his intention to contest in Melaka, citing his desire to contribute to the state, which holds significance for his family. Despite having no prior experience in election contests, Azman recognized this opportunity as a way to serve his constituency.",
  "summary": "MELAKA: Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Paya Rumput seat Datuk Azman Abidin was the first to arrive at the nomination centre today, reaching Hang Jebat Stadium about 8.40am.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : 16th Melaka State Election Kicks Off With Nomination Process Today",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/general-16th-melaka-state-election-kicks-off-with-nomination-process",
        "published": "2026-10-30T21:16:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Nomination day is here: Melaka’s 14-day campaign starts today",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/nomination-day-is-here-melakas-14-day-campaign-starts-today",
        "published": "2026-10-31T00:47:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Melaka PRN: Ab Rauf, accompanied by Zahid, arrives at nomination centre",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/melaka-prn-ab-rauf-accompanied-by-zahid-arrives-at-nomination-centre",
        "published": "2026-10-31T01:59:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}