SEREMBAN – Ampangan state legislative assembly incumbent, Datuk Mohamad Rafie Ab. Malek, surprised many by running as an independent candidate in the Ampangan state assembly during the Nomination Day today.
Accompanied by approximately 50 supporters, who fervently chanted ‘Datuk Rafie bebas,’ he arrived at the Nomination Center at the Youth and Sports Complex here at 8.50am, donning traditional Malay clothing.
His wife, Datin Salina Shamsuddin, was also present to show her support, Kosmo! reported.
Rafie chose to contest as an independent candidate after not being selected as the PKR candidate in the area.
The Ampangan state assembly is now witnessing a three-cornered fight, with Pakatan Harapan (PH) fielding Tengku Zamrah Tengku Sulaiman, the Seremban Branch PKR women’s chief, and Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Muhammad Ghazali Zainal Abidin, the Gedong Lalang Branch Bersatu Leader, as candidates.
On Facebook earlier this week, Rafie expressed his “shock” at not being chosen as the PH candidate, despite his “excellent” track record in the constituency.
He stressed that he had significantly contributed to Ampangan’s development, attracting investments, and improving infrastructure.
Rafie also insisted that he was known for being “people-friendly” and maintained high integrity during his time in office.
The announcement confirming the candidates was made by the Ampangan election commission official, Zul Fadhli Abd Aziz, at 10.30am.
In the 14th General Election, Mohamad Rafie secured the Ampangan state seat with a majority of 1,360 votes, defeating two other contenders. – July 29, 2023.