MELAKA: At least three state executive councillors are expected to be dropped from Barisan Nasional's (BN) line-up for the Nov 14 state election, with several new faces tipped to contest as the coalition prepares to announce its candidates tomorrow.
Those believed to be at risk are state Youth, Sports and NGO Development Committee chairman Datuk VP Shanmugam, who is also Melaka MIC chairman; Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Datuk Kalsom Nordin, who heads the state Umno Wanita wing; and Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman.
Shanmugam is the incumbent for Gadek, Kalsom for Pengkalan Batu and Rahmad for Ayer Molek.
Other incumbents said to be facing possible exclusion include former chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali (Lendu), Datuk Zaidi Attan (Serkam) and Datuk Siti Faizah Abd Aziz (Sungai Rambai).
Among the new faces tipped for candidacy is Melaka Umno Youth chief and chief minister's political secretary Datuk Abdul Hakim Abdul Wahid, who is expected to contest outside his Masjid Tanah division.
Serkam is among the seats linked to him, reportedly due to his extensive family ties in the constituency.
Melaka Umno Puteri chief Nurul Amirah Mohd Yusof is also tipped to contest in Lendu should Sulaiman be dropped.
Other names in the running include Hang Tuah Jaya Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Ridhwan Mohd Ali, who is linked to Ayer Molek, and Jasin Umno deputy division chief Datuk Azman Abdullah, who is tipped for Sungai Rambai.
Also mentioned are Jasin Umno Puteri chief Asmah Sulaiman, Jasin Umno division committee member Hairul Amin Madon, Kota Melaka Umno division secretary Datuk Akramuddin Abd Aziz and Masjid Tanah Umno division secretary Mohd Hafith Alias.
The potential reshuffle points to a significant revamp of BN's candidate line-up, with party wing leaders and division officials possibly given the opportunity to replace incumbents. However, the final list remains subject to the party leadership's decision.
BN will contest 21 of the 28 state seats, with the remaining seven allocated to Pas and its political allies under a seat-sharing agreement.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd