{
  "id": 19439431,
  "title": "Melaka polls: Bersatu says seven candidates carefully selected, not fill-ins",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/melaka-polls-bersatu-says-seven-candidates-carefully-selected-not",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T03:51:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/11/1575245/melaka-polls-bersatu-says-seven-candidates-carefully-selected-not"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Bersatu, the ruling party in Melaka, has defended its selection of seven candidates for the 16th Melaka state election, stating that none were chosen merely to fill a seat. According to Melaka Bersatu chairman Datuk Dr Radzi Md Jidin, each candidate has been carefully selected for their experience and service records, ensuring they are qualified and capable of providing the best possible service to the people. Radzi highlighted the diverse backgrounds and qualifications of the candidates, such as Datin Seri Dr Asmah Samat, a local public health specialist, and Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad, a former Deputy President of the Dewan Negara. The party is confident that its candidates can effectively represent the community's concerns and ensure their voices are heard in the Melaka State Legislative Assembly. As the campaign enters its final stretch ahead of polling on November 14, Bersatu has received positive responses from voters, which has encouraged the party to continue working hard until polling day.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Azmin does not rule out last-minute understanding with PH in Melaka polls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/azmin-does-not-rule-out-last-minute-understanding-with-ph-in-melaka",
        "published": "2026-11-10T23:59:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}