MELAKA: Datuk Mohd Ridhwan Mohd Ali, the son of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam, is tipped to contest the Ayer Molek seat as Barisan Nasional prepares to unveil its candidates for the Melaka state election.
The Hang Tuah Jaya Umno division chief is among the names expected in the announcement on Saturday (Oct 24) at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh here.
His possible candidacy comes amid expectations of a substantial reshuffle, with at least three caretaker state executive councillors (excos) expected to be dropped from Barisan’s line-up.
A Barisan insider said on Friday (Oct 23) that several other incumbents also may not be fielded, including former chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali in Lendu, Datuk Zaidi Attan in Serkam and Datuk Siti Faizah Abd Azis in Sungai Rambai.
Jasin Umno deputy division chief Datuk Azman Abdullah, meanwhile, has been linked to a possible candidacy in Sungai Rambai.
Other names floated include Jasin Puteri Umno chief Asmah Sulaiman, Jasin Umno division committee member Hairul Amin Madon, Kota Melaka Umno division secretary Datuk Akramuddin Abd Aziz and Masjid Tanah Umno division secretary Mohd Hafith Alias.
The prospective changes could see leaders from Umno’s wings and divisions given the opportunity to contest seats vacated by incumbents.
However, the names remain subject to the party leadership’s final decision ahead of the official announcement.
Saturday’s unveiling is expected to settle speculation over the fate of incumbents and which new faces will be fielded.
Barisan will contest 21 of the 28 state seats, with the remaining seven allocated to PAS and its political partners following the conclusion of their electoral understanding.
The Election Commission has fixed Oct 31 for nominations, Nov 10 for early voting and Nov 14 for polling day.
