Rauf’s predecessor Sulaiman opts out of Melaka polls

Former Melaka chief minister Sulaiman Ali, who represented the Lendu seat for three terms, has decided not to participate in the Nov 14 state election.

Sulaiman, who was chief minister from 2020 to 2023 before Melaka Umno chief Ab Rauf Yusoh took over the post, said he had contested “enough” elections, Berita Harian reported.

Sulaiman was first elected in 2013 and retained the post of Lendu assemblyman for two more terms, winning with a solid 3,104-vote majority in the 2021 Melaka polls.

With the backing of Bersatu, he was appointed chief minister in March 2020 following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan state government.

After the 2021 state election, he was appointed to a fresh term in office amid rumours that Rauf was angling to oust him from the top post.

In March 2023, Sulaiman resigned as chief minister despite months of denying that he was planning to quit. Rauf eventually took over the post.

Sulaiman denied that he was forced to resign as chief minister, and urged Melaka folk to give Rauf their support.