Tok Mat acknowledges disappointment among Sulaiman’s supporters

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has acknowledged dissatisfaction among Sulaiman Ali’s supporters after the former Melaka chief minister was dropped as Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Lendu state seat.

He said dissatisfaction following nomination day was normal, but Sulaiman’s presence alongside BN’s Lendu candidate, Hakim Wahid, on the campaign trail showed his commitment to BN.

“There will always be supporters who are unhappy when a candidate is replaced.

“But Sulaiman’s decision to campaign alongside Hakim shows that he is committed to helping BN retain the seat,” Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, told reporters after meeting residents at Kampung Durian Daun here today.

He said he did not consider the dissatisfaction a major issue or a sign that voters had turned against BN.

He said BN’s campaign machinery in Lendu was operating in an organised manner, with Hakim actively meeting voters from village to village.

Mohamad also reminded party workers to prioritise face-to-face engagement, explain issues to voters, and refrain from insulting or disparaging their opponents.

Sulaiman had represented Lendu since 2013 and served as Melaka’s 12th chief minister from 2020 to 2023. He retained the seat with a majority of 3,104 votes in the 2021 state election.

He was dropped as a BN candidate for the upcoming state election, with the coalition choosing Hakim to replace him.

Hakim, a former political secretary to Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh, will face Bersatu’s Nazri Ramli in a straight fight for the seat.