Akmal Saleh Expected to Cede Merlimau to PAS in Melaka Polls

UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh is expected to give up the Merlimau seat to PAS in the coming Melaka state election.

Yesterday he thanked his voters in a Facebook post, asking “where to next?” The Star, citing PAS Melaka sources, reported that state PAS chief and Jasin MP Zulkifli Ismail will be fielded in Merlimau.

Ayer Keroh: Could Akmal Take on DAP in a Changing Constituency?

Akmal won Merlimau in the 2021 state election, which saw low turnout, with 58% of the vote. By GE15, electiondata.my analysis shows BN support there had slipped to 39%, though Perikatan Nasional stood at 30%. With UMNO and PAS prioritising Malay unity, the seat is expected to remain safe.

Akmal’s post hinted at two possible replacements, the neighbouring Serkam and Sungai Rambai, both UMNO strongholds where combined BN and PN support exceeds 50%.

A tougher test would be Ayer Keroh, held by DAP, which Akmal sees as a fierce rival, since 2008. Chinese voters have fallen to 47.6%, with Malays at 42% and Indians at 8%.

BN could gain if Indian voters back it and Chinese votes split or stay home, but 60% backed Pakatan Harapan, and UMNO would need MCA to cede the seat.

Another option is Bukit Katil, held by Adly Zahari in 2021, where BN and PN combined exceed 50%.