Haba Nusantara.net, Singapore — Chairman of the Aceh Transitional Committee (KPA) Luwa Nanggroe, T Emi Syamsyumi — popularly known as Abu Salam — has broken his silence regarding the health condition of Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, also known as Mualem, following widespread public speculation about his alleged illness.
Speaking directly from Singapore on Saturday (May 3, 2025), Abu Salam dismissed reports claiming that Mualem was seriously ill and under medical treatment. According to him, the governor is in stable condition and has been admitted to Mount Elizabeth Hospital purely for routine medical check-ups — something he has done regularly over the past few years.
“The rumors of him being sick are simply not true. The Commander is only experiencing fatigue and needs time to recover. He routinely undergoes medical check-ups in Penang or Singapore,” Abu Salam told reporters after visiting Mualem on Friday.
Abu Salam urged the public not to be swayed by unfounded speculations and misleading narratives circulating online without official confirmation. He emphasized that the governor remains attentive to developments back home in Aceh and is committed to returning once he has had sufficient rest.
“God willing, within the next few days, Mualem will be back in Banda Aceh as usual. He is asking for prayers from the people of Aceh — for continued health and strength to carry out his responsibilities,” he added.
The health of a political figure like Mualem has become a hot topic in the aftermath of Aceh’s recent regional elections. As political dynamics continue to shift, any signs of vulnerability in a figure as prominent as Mualem can spark intense public interest and speculation.
But reassurances from close aides like Abu Salam are helping to calm the storm. Known for his deep roots in Aceh’s historical struggle and influence on the national stage, Mualem is widely seen not just as a political leader, but a resilient symbol of hope and perseverance for many in the province.
“What matters now is that he’s resting and regaining his energy. Everyone needs time to recharge. No need to worry — Mualem is doing just fine,” Abu Salam said diplomatically.
He also reminded the public to remain calm and discerning in their consumption of information, stressing the importance of relying on verified and official sources. “Let’s not get carried away by misleading content,” he concluded.
Mualem’s temporary absence from Banda Aceh may have sparked rumors, but his team’s steady messaging aims to restore public confidence. As the political landscape in Aceh continues to evolve, figures like Mualem remain at the center of public attention — not just for their roles in governance, but for what they represent to their communities. []
