JASIN: As lanterns and red decorations go up in Merlimau, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh is preparing to mark the Year of the Horse by hosting an open house in his constituency on Feb 28. "Everyone is welcome to attend the open house on that day," he told The Star on Monday (Feb 16), adding that he is the only non-Chinese assemblyman in the state to organise a Lunar New Year open house since being elected as the Merlimau representative. Dr Muhamad Akmal said he began making Chinese New Year visits across his constituency on Friday (Feb 13) as he would be away performing the umrah pilgrimage from Monday (Feb 16) to Feb 24. Dr Muhamad Akmal said RM40,000 had been allocated to organise the open house, while RM10,000 in ang pow was distributed to teachers and pupils of Chinese primary schools in Merlimau. Earlier this month, Dr Muhamad Akmal dismissed allegations that he is anti-Chinese, saying his disagreements with DAP are political in nature and not directed at the Chinese community.

Source: The Star February 16, 2026 04:02 UTC