Bersama names candidates for 15 Melaka seats ahead of state election

MELAKA: Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has staked an early claim in the upcoming Melaka state election by naming candidates for 15 of the state’s 28 seats prior to the dissolution of the state legislative assembly.

The party’s candidate line-up includes 40-year-old Dr Muhamad Solehin Saleh, the elder brother of Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who has been fielded in the Bemban constituency.

Bersama co-founder Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said the party had taken an unprecedented step by announcing its candidates and target seats well ahead of the official campaign period.

“Tonight, beginning in the historic city, Bersama has become what I believe is the first political party in history to announce its candidates and the seats it will contest in the Melaka state election.

“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 on Saturday (Aug 15).

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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 signals the immediate start of Bersama’s campaign, with candidates, members and volunteers expected to begin constituency work immediately.

“Our campaign begins tonight. Go out and get to work,” he said.

He explained that announcing candidates early provides voters sufficient time to evaluate their backgrounds, capabilities and plans for their respective areas.

This approach allows candidates to build stronger relationships with local communities and understand local issues instead of relying solely on party branding during the official campaign period, he added.

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Rafizi noted that a dedicated team is formulating a state manifesto containing policies and proposals specifically for Melaka voters.

“We have a team developing a manifesto and an offer for the state, its people and the voters of Melaka. God willing, our first ceramah on the night of nomination day will be used to launch Bersama’s manifesto for the people of Melaka,” he said.

He added that the early rollout reflects Bersama’s intention to give voters adequate time to assess candidates before polling day rather than introducing them only after election dates are set.