THE elder brother of UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh will contest the Bemban state seat under Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) in the upcoming Melaka state election, putting the siblings on opposing political paths.
Dr Muhammad Solehin Saleh, 40, was unveiled as one of 15 candidates announced by Bersama at a ceremony in Batu Berendam last night, attended by party leaders Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
BERSAMA will contest 15 of the 28 state seats in the Melaka election.
The party’s candidates are Datuk Ruzayhiman Jenal for Kuala Linggi, Muhamed Arman Akil Abdul Talib (Rembia), B Lavern (Gadek), B Prasanth Kumar (Machap Jaya), Mohd Ridzuan Abdul Rahman (Sungai Udang), Abdul Rashid Abu Bakar (Paya Rumput), Young Jie Yu (Klebang), Goh Han Koon (Pengkalan Batu), Muhammad Muhaimin Lau Abdullah (Ayer Keroh), Dr Aliza Che Amran (Bukit Katil), Dr Bryan Kek Kit Hun (Kesidang), Ethan Lim Zhi Hao (Kota Laksamana), Muhammad Hazwan Mustafa (Telok Mas), Dr Muhammad Solehin Saleh (Bemban) and Muhamad Shaffie Md Yasan (Serkam).
Speaking to reporters, Dr Muhammad Solehin said his political differences with Akmal had not strained their relationship, stressing that their family bond remained stronger than their political affiliations.
“My relationship with him is very close. We are fine and there is no problem between us. As brothers, we often discuss our respective political journeys.
“Politics is not a religion. The relationship between brothers is more important than politics,” he said.
He dismissed claims that the brothers had fallen out or stopped speaking to each other, saying their family remained close and harmonious.
“His children are my children, and my children are his children. My mother also came to support me. Some outsiders have said in the media that we have fallen out, but that is not true. We are very close.
“He is a good younger brother, and I am a good older brother. Everything is fine,” he said.
Dr Muhammad Solehin, who was previously appointed as a councillor with the Jasin Municipal Council (MPJ) overseeing development in Bemban, said he did not see Akmal’s position in UMNO as overshadowing his campaign or hindering his efforts to serve the constituency.
He said he had been involved in political and community work alongside his younger brother for years, including before Akmal became actively involved in politics.
“Actually, I have been involved in politics for roughly the same length of time as him, but I was not in the same party. I was previously with Parti Amanah Negara (AMANAH), but I have since resigned.
“In my area, whether in Merlimau or Bemban, we have helped each other. We have done a lot of NGO work, even before Akmal entered politics,” he said. - August 16, 2026
