Melaka Government Shake-Up
Melaka DAP withdraws from state government over appointed assemblymen amendment.
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Key Points
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The amendment would allow up to seven unelected state assemblymen to be appointed, a provision Melaka DAP argues contradicts the principle that representatives should be elected by the people.
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A concrete resignations plan was outlined: Melaka DAP’s two state executive councillors, two deputy executive councillors, and the deputy speaker are expected to resign from their posts in the BN-led administration.
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Khoo Poay Tiong explicitly framed their withdrawal with a direct quote: 'In keeping with the principles of parliamentary democracy, we will withdraw from the Melaka state government,' and stressed that 'Allex should not vote against a motion tabled by the state government.'
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The press conference announcing the move was planned as a joint appearance with Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari on July 14, signaling a coordinated protest action and a broader shake-up in Melaka politics.
Melaka DAP announced it is pulling out of the state government after a bill allowing the appointment of up to seven unelected state assemblymen was passed despite the party's opposition. Party chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said: 'In keeping with the principles of parliamentary democracy, we will withdraw from the Melaka state government.' Head Topics reported the move ends DAP's role in the BN-led unity administration.
The withdrawal means DAP's two state executive councillors, two deputy executive councillors, and the deputy speaker are all expected to step down from their posts. DAP's elected assemblymen will keep their seats but give up all government roles, according to Sinar Daily.
The Bill That Broke the Coalition
The trigger was a state constitutional amendment that lets the Melaka government appoint up to seven assemblymen who were never elected by voters. DAP argues this goes against a basic rule of democracy: that representatives must be chosen by the people. Sinar Daily reported that DAP called the move a violation of democratic principles.
The bill passed despite strong resistance from Pakatan Harapan members inside the assembly. Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari also opposed the bill. DAP exco member Allex Seah Shoo Chin voted against the government's own motion, prompting Khoo to say bluntly: 'Allex should not vote against a motion tabled by the state government,' according to Head Topics.
Chief Minister Won't Stand in DAP's Way
Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh responded calmly to the news. He said he would not try to stop DAP from leaving. Head Topics reported Yusoh stated he respected DAP's decision, even as it reshapes the makeup of his BN-led state government.
Yusoh's reaction signals that the BN side is prepared to govern without DAP. The split marks a clear break between the two parties at the state level, even as they remain partners in the national unity government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Coordinated Press Conference Seals the Exit
The withdrawal was not a snap decision. DAP planned a joint press conference with Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari on July 14 to make the announcement official. The joint appearance showed the move was coordinated across PH, not just a DAP protest, according to Head Topics.
The Edge Malaysia confirmed DAP has officially quit the state government. The party made clear its assemblymen will stay on as elected representatives. They are giving up power, not their seats — a distinction that lets them keep a voice in the assembly while opposing the administration from outside.
What Nominated Assemblymen Mean for Melaka Voters
Under the new amendment, the state government can fill up to seven assembly seats without holding an election. This is the core of DAP's objection. Appointed assemblymen owe their seats to the government, not to voters. DAP says that gives too much power to those in charge and weakens public accountability.
The amendment passed, and it now stands as law. DAP's exit leaves the BN-led government with fewer partners but with its signature policy intact. Whether voters reward or punish either side remains to be seen at the next state election, Sinar Daily noted in its coverage of the fallout.
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