MELAKA: The son of Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam is tipped to contest the Ayer Molek seat in the coming state polls.
Hang Tuah Jaya Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Ridhwan Mohd Ali is said to be among one of the candidates to be named by Barisan Nasional today.
His candidacy comes amid speculation of a major reshuffle with at least three state executive councillors being dropped from Barisan’s line-up.
Several other incumbents expected to be axed include 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, is speculated to contest in Sungai Rambai.
Other names being floated are 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 the incumbents.
However, their candidacy is subject to the party leadership’s final decision ahead of the official announcement.
Barisan will contest 21 of the 28 seats with the remaining seven allocated to PAS and its political partners, following the conclusion of an electoral cooperation.
The Election Commission has fixed Oct 31 for nomination and Nov 10 for early voting. Polling is on Nov 14.
