Melaka polls: Akmal banks on five-year service record to seek fresh mandate

JASIN: Barisan Nasional candidate for the Merlimau seat Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh is banking on his five-year service record to regain voters' confidence in the Melaka state election.

He said residents, particularly those in Merlimau, could assess his performance and contributions during his term before making their decision on polling day.

"People in Merlimau know what I have done. That is why I have no problem responding to all the criticism because I am offering my service.

"If they feel my service has not been good, I honestly say they should not vote for me. But if they feel my service has been good and satisfactory, I ask for their trust once again," he said after the nomination process at Dewan Platinum, Politeknik Merlimau.

Dr Akmal, who is also Umno Youth chief, will face a straight fight against Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate and state Amanah Wanita chief Rahayu Hamzah.

The incumbent Merlimau assemblyman remained optimistic despite facing various challenges and criticism throughout his political career.

He said challenges were part and parcel of politics for any leader, and such experiences should be seen as opportunities for self-improvement.

He cited several national leaders who had remained in politics despite facing various controversies and criticism.

"(Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has faced all kinds of criticism, yet he remains prime minister to this day. The same goes for (Deputy Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who has also faced various issues.

"As a leader, I believe these are part and parcel of what we have to go through. God willing, these challenges will make me a better person in the future," he said.

Dr Akmal said he had therefore chosen to let his service record speak for itself, while hoping voters would give him another opportunity to continue serving the constituency.

He expressed confidence that his experience over the past five years would help him face the challenges of this election, adding that the people's support and trust would determine whether he received another mandate.