Anwar Ibrahim Urges Melaka DAP to Postpone State Government Withdrawal

PORT DICKSON, July 14 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urgently appealed to Melaka DAP to suspend its immediate withdrawal from the state administration, stressing that coalition stability must take precedence to ensure uninterrupted economic development and public welfare.

Anwar, who also serves as the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, revealed that high-level interventions are already underway to resolve the political impasse. He has initiated discussions with DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, expressing strong optimism that continued negotiations will lead to an amicable resolution.

Speaking to reporters after officiating the AI-powered Midport Smart Container Terminal project today, Anwar confirmed his direct outreach to both state and federal leadership.

“I’ve already raised the matter and spoken to minister Loke (DAP secretary-general), Melaka DAP and the Chief Minister, asking them to negotiate first… postpone it for the time being so that we can continue working with the state government until the election,” he stated.

Acknowledging the internal friction, the Prime Minister noted that policy differences are standard within a complex ruling coalition but should never compromise governance or macro-economic strategies.

“Even if there are two or three issues that we disagree on, that’s all right. There are many matters on which we do not see eye to eye now, but when it comes to policies for economic growth and the people’s well-being, we move forward together,” Anwar explained.

Anwar expressed hope that the state chapter would put the immediate political walkout on hold.

“So, I hope they will reconsider (and postpone the decision),” he added, emphasizing that the postponement is critical to ensuring the state apparatus carries out its core administrative duties smoothly until the next election cycle.

The local political crisis erupted earlier today when Melaka DAP announced its immediate exit from the state government setup. The walkout was triggered after the Melaka State Legislative Assembly successfully passed controversial amendments to the State Constitution, introducing a mechanism allowing for the direct appointment of nominated assemblymen.

Melaka DAP Chairman Khoo Poay Tiong defended the sudden pullout, stating that the decision was in line with the party’s firm stance against the bill, which it critiques as an affront to fundamental democratic protocols and clean electoral principles.

-NMT