Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has unveiled candidates for 15 of the 28 seats in the Melaka state legislative assembly, making it the first political party to announce its line-up ahead of the upcoming state election.
Among those named is Dr Muhamad Solehin Saleh, 40, who will contest the Bemban seat. He is the elder brother of Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Bersama co-founder Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said the candidates were announced well before the state assembly is dissolved to give voters more time to examine their backgrounds, capabilities and plans.
He said the early announcement would also allow the candidates, party members and volunteers to begin working in their respective constituencies and engage directly with local communities.
“We are doing this before Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has even thought about dissolving the state assembly,” he said during the announcement in Melaka Baru last night.
Apart from Bemban, Bersama will contest Kuala Linggi, Rembia, Gadek, Machap Jaya, Sungai Udang, Paya Rumput, Klebang, Pengkalan Batu, Ayer Keroh, Bukit Katil, Kesidang, Kota Laksamana, Telok Mas and Serkam.
Rafizi, a former PKR deputy president, said the announcement effectively marked the beginning of Bersama’s campaign in Melaka, with its candidates and grassroots teams expected to start constituency-level activities immediately.
“Our campaign begins tonight. Go out and get to work,” he said.
He added that early campaigning would give candidates an opportunity to establish stronger ties with voters and gain a better understanding of issues affecting residents in their respective areas.
The party is also preparing a manifesto and a series of policy proposals specifically aimed at addressing the needs and concerns of Melaka voters.
Rafizi said Bersama plans to unveil the manifesto during its first ceramah on nomination day, giving voters a clearer picture of the party’s direction and policies for the state.
The early candidate announcement is expected to add another dimension to the political contest in Melaka, as parties prepare their machinery ahead of the state election.
