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Free Malaysia Today
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
15 DAP branches want ‘non-extreme' BN-PH candidates in Melaka polls
Members of the 15 DAP branches in Jasin after their AGM yesterday. They were joined by Melaka DAP leaders Khoo Poay Tiong and Kerk Chee Yee. (Melaka DAP pic) PETALING JAYA : Fifteen DAP branches in Jasin, Melaka, have urged the unity coalition of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional against fielding candidates who are 'extreme' in the next Melaka state election. At their annual general meeting on Saturday, the 15 DAP branches unanimously passed a resolution stating their support for the unity government's candidates, on condition that they do not practise 'extreme politics that can divide the people'. 'We will not compromise with any party or politician that promotes hate and division,' read a joint statement issued by the branches after the AGM, which was attended by Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong and publicity secretary Kerk Chee Yee. The DAP branches said political stability, racial harmony, and progressive leadership were essential to the future of Malaysia, and that they wanted to build a more unified, just, and prosperous nation. While they mentioned no names, the push against 'divisive' politicians appears to be aimed at the outspoken Umno Youth chief, Dr Akmal Saleh. The Jasin parliamentary constituency is composed of five state constituencies, including the Merlimau seat currently held by the Umno firebrand. Akmal, a Melaka executive councillor, has repeatedly locked horns with various DAP leaders since the formation of the unity government, defending his outspoken nature as a defence of Malay-Muslim rights. He has been outspoken on a range of issues, including the proposal to make Emergency-era New Villages a Unesco world heritage site, KK Mart's sale of socks bearing the word 'Allah', and the role of vernacular schools. Earlier this month, he slammed DAP after nine Melaka branches called for BN and PH to have an equal share of seats in the state election. Melaka has 28 state assembly seats. In the 2021 polls, BN won 21, PH secured five, and Perikatan Nasional claimed two.
Free Malaysia Today
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Akmal, Khoo question Azmin's ambitions for Bersatu in Melaka
(From left) Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh told Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali that people in Melaka do not want political leaders who only show up for elections, while Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong feels Bersatu should 'tone down the big talk'. PETALING JAYA : Bersatu must prove that it has leaders who truly serve the people if it wants to win more state assembly seats in Melaka, said Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh. Responding to Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali's confidence that Bersatu will perform strongly at the next Melaka state election, Akmal, who is also a Melaka executive councillor, said people in the state want leaders who can serve. 'The people want leaders who serve all the time, not just show up when elections are near,' the Merlimau assemblyman told FMT. 'If Bersatu is confident it can take over Melaka, PN (Perikatan Nasional) must prove it has capable leaders.' Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong reminded Bersatu not to be boastful ahead of the state election. 'Tone down the big talk and continue fulfilling the responsibilities given by the people,' said the Kota Melaka MP. The state assembly's term will end in November 2026, and an election must be held within 60 days of its dissolution. In a Facebook post yesterday, Azmin said he was sure Bersatu had a promising future in Melaka based on data and analysis from the 15th general election. PN has three assemblymen in the 28-seat Melaka state assembly, with Bersatu having two – Bemban assemblyman Dr Yadzil Yaakub and Sungai Udang assemblyman Aleef Yusof – and PAS one. Rembia assemblyman Jailani Khamis, who was previously part of the government bloc, was moved to the opposition bloc last December after PAS said he joined the party in 2023. Umno suspended Jailani's membership for six years for allegedly sabotaging the party by attending the announcement of the PN candidate for the Simpang Jeram by-election in Bakri, Johor.
