MELAKA (Bernama): Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) will be fielding five candidates as it makes its political debut in the upcoming Melaka state election.

       The five are its liaison committee chairman Dr Mohd Aluwi Sari, 55, who will contest in Pengkalan Batu; its women's bureau chief Laila Norinda Maon, 44 (Gadek); Putra Youth chief Mohamad Hashidi Mohd Zin, 32 (Paya Rumput) and Putra Melaka division heads, Mohd Faizal Amzah, 44, (Duyong) and Nazatul Ashraf Md Dom, 38 (Sungai Rambai).

       Putra president Datuk Dr Ibrahim Ali (pic), who announced the list on Saturday (Nov 6), said the candidates were selected based on their educational background, age and commitment in supporting the party as an alternative party for the Malays and bumiputra.

       He said the candidates have never contested before, adding that it is important for Putra's candidates to have clean track records and high moral standards.

       "They are also professionals and entrepreneurs. The candidates' ages are balanced and suitable to be elected representatives and to deal with the community," he said during a virtual press conference.

       The candidates have also signed a statutory declaration and cited an oath (sumpah laknat) during the announcement that they would not leave the party if they win the seat.

       The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 20 for polling for the Melaka state election and Nov 8 as nomination day. Early voting will be conducted on Nov 16.

       The state election was called following the dissolution of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly after four assemblymen withdrew their support for former Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali. – Bernama