Credit : BERNAMA
MELAKA, November 3, 2026 – Muhammad Mukhlisul Mubin Julasapiyah, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Kuala Linggi state seat in the 16th Melaka State Election, has rejected claims that he did not complete his bachelor’s degree at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bernama reported.
Mukhlis, who is the youngest candidate in the election, maintained that he had completed his law degree at the university, dismissing claims circulating on social media about his academic qualifications.
“In fact, I will be attending my graduation ceremony at UKM on Nov 22, just a few days after polling day,” he told reporters at the PH main operations centre in Bukit Piatu on November 2.
He was responding to questions about allegations on social media that he had not completed his studies at UKM.
Turning to his plans for Kuala Linggi, Mukhlis said he was determined to bring a fresh approach to politics in the constituency and to strengthen young people’s confidence in the ability of politicians to improve the lives of local residents.
“Our focus, however, will extend beyond young people. We will also address issues affecting the local fishing community and recurring flooding in several parts of the constituency,” he said.
Mukhlis said his determination to serve the people was inspired by his father, Julasapiyah Kassim, who remained dedicated to the Kuala Linggi community despite five unsuccessful bids to win the state seat.
“Some may criticise my father for having contested the seat five times without success, even before I was born. However, I see his efforts as laying the groundwork for my own determination to win the hearts of Kuala Linggi voters,” he said.
“I have watched my father serve and engage with the community since I was a child, and that spirit of service has become part of who I am. Despite his electoral defeats, he never stopped working for the people. I hope to follow in his footsteps and make a meaningful contribution to Kuala Linggi,” he added.
Making his election debut, Mukhlis faces a three-cornered fight for the Kuala Linggi seat. His opponents are the incumbent, Datuk Rosli Abdullah of Barisan Nasional (BN), and Dr Nur Farhana Hamzah of Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama).
Questions over candidates’ backgrounds and qualifications have become part of the conversation on social media in the early days of the campaign, and Mukhlis chose to respond directly by pointing to his upcoming graduation ceremony at UKM, which he said would take place on November 22, eight days after polling.
His candidacy has drawn attention because of his age and because he is contesting a seat that his father tried and failed to win on five occasions. Kuala Linggi voters will now choose between a first-time candidate, a sitting assemblyman and a candidate from a newer party.
Polling for the 16th Melaka State Election is set for November 14, 2026, while early voting will take place on November 10, 2026.
Updates on the 16th Melaka State Election are also available on Bernama’s dedicated election page.
This story is based on a report by Bernama.
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