Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Salawati Mat Basir said while Mas Ermieyati and Rahim were elected heads of Bersatu’s Masjid Tanah and Alor Gajah divisions during last week’s party elections, they must contend with the popularity of Umno firebrands like Merlimau assemblyman Dr Akmal Saleh and Duyong assemblyman Noor Helmy Abdul Halem if they hope to take over the state’s administration.
PN Melaka is currently led by Bemban assemblyman Dr Yadzil Yaakub. However, his position as Jasin Bersatu chief remains unclear as the division’s suspension prevented it from holding elections last week.
“Names like Mas Ermieyati and Rahim are well-known in Melaka from their time in Umno. But even though they are well-known figures, they need to come up with fresh ideas and prove they can compete with Umno leaders in Melaka,” Salawati told FMT.
“The people of Melaka prefer younger representatives from Umno who are vocal about issues related to the Malays and Islam. BN has an advantage (in the upcoming state election). BN is currently stronger in Melaka and is quite difficult for other parties to challenge it.”
Rahim, who was Melaka chief minister from 1982 to 1994, was elected Alor Gajah Bersatu chief after defeating Zamri Abu Bakar during the party elections.
Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati overcame Rosni Sham Samion to retain her position as the head of the Masjid Tanah Bersatu division. The Wanita Bersatu chief previously served as deputy minister from 2015 to 2018 and again from 2020 to 2022.
Tawfik Yaakub of Universiti Malaya believes that the diminishing influence of leaders like Mas Ermieyati and Rahim – who were formerly with Umno before joining Bersatu – seems to suggest that the Muhyiddin Yassin-led party is running out of fresh faces to put forward as leaders.
“I don’t see PN ready to conquer Melaka if these recycled leaders face strong Umno leaders at the grassroots and state levels,” he said.
He said cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan in the unity government also provides a smoother path for Umno and BN to defeat PN candidates in the upcoming elections, thereby maintaining their grip on the state.
Meanwhile, National Professors Council fellow Azmi Hassan said Bersatu and PN should recognise that the results of the 2021 Melaka state election showed that voters want young leaders to govern the state.
PN contested all 28 seats at the state election in November 2021 but secured only two seats – Sungai Udang and Bemban – both won by Bersatu candidates.
BN won 21 seats, and PH five. The state assembly’s term will end in November 2026 and an election must be held within 60 days of its dissolution.
Azmi said Bersatu should use elections to uncover new leadership and introduce new leaders.
He said while Mas Ermieyati and Rahim may attract attention as they are seasoned politicians, they will have a hard time gaining support from the state’s voters.
“The people of Melaka want change, and this can only happen with new faces in Bersatu’s hierarchy – not just in Melaka but at the national level,” he said.