Brother of UMNO Youth Chief to contest Melaka polls with Bersama party

Dr. Muhamad Solehin Saleh, the elder brother of Malaysia's UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, has been announced as a candidate for the Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) in the upcoming Melaka state election.

Solehin will contest the N24 Bemban state seat. His brother, Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, currently serves as the ADUN for Merlimau and leads the UMNO Youth wing. The announcement was made during Bersama's candidate unveiling event for the Melaka polls, where 15 candidates were presented.

Dr. Muhamad Solehin, a 40-year-old medical doctor, earned his degree from Universitas Sriwijaya in Indonesia. He has operated his own medical clinics in Merlimau and Muar since 2017. Although his primary career is in medicine, Solehin has a political background, having previously been active with Parti Amanah Negara before joining Bersama.

Bersama leaders highlighted the familial connection while emphasizing Solehin's distinct political path. "Although his main focus is his career as a medical doctor, he is actually no stranger to politics. He is the brother of YB Akmal Saleh. However, he has chosen a different and fresher political path," a Bersama leader stated.

Bersama also declared its intention to contest 15 state seats in Melaka, with party leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli expressing confidence in forming the state government if they secure a majority of 15 seats. The party aims for its candidates to have ample time to engage with voters before the dissolution of the state assembly, with campaigning commencing immediately after the announcement.