Melaka State Government Remains Stable Despite DAP Exit

MELAKA, July 15 — The Melaka state government remains stable and will continue its administrative functions without interruption despite the sudden decision by DAP to sever ties with the administration and withdraw its lawmakers from all executive roles, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh confirmed today.

Addressing growing concerns over potential political instability in the state, Ab Rauf provided firm assurances to the public, the civil service, the business community, and foreign investors. He emphasized that daily governance, regional development projects, and public service delivery mechanisms remain completely insulated from the political fallout and will function more systematically to fulfil the people’s trust.

The Chief Minister noted that the state executive has no intention of getting bogged down in political infighting, stating that the state government would not prolong the polemic or question any party’s right to make decisions based on their own principles.

“We may no longer be together in the state government administration, but we do not need to become enemies in our efforts to defend the interests of the people of Melaka,” Ab Rauf told reporters during a high-level press conference convened at the Seri Negeri Complex in Ayer Keroh today. He also took the opportunity to express his professional appreciation to the outgoing DAP representatives for their administrative cooperation throughout their shared tenure in the state government.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the political shift at the state level would not impact Melaka’s strategic economic positioning or its ties with Putrajaya, confirming that the state government will continue to maintain good relations with the federal government for the sake of the state.

When questioned about a last-minute intervention by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had publicly urged all factions to enter immediate negotiations, Ab Rauf revealed that the window for political compromise had already closed. He explained that the DAP’s decision was finalised when the resignation letter was submitted immediately after the party’s press conference yesterday, thus making further negotiations impossible.

Faced with a sudden structural vacancy in the state cabinet, the Chief Minister announced a temporary consolidation of portfolios. The vacant exco position will not be filled for the time being; instead, the underlying ministerial duties will be temporarily assumed by the existing administrative members to ensure continuity in state policies.

The sudden political realignment unfolded yesterday when four Melaka DAP state assemblymen announced their immediate resignation from the state government executive. The protest was triggered after the State Legislative Assembly successfully approved an amendment to the state constitution that introduces a mechanism allowing the direct appointment of non-elected assemblymen to the House.

The lawmakers who exited the administration include Allex Seah Shoo Chin (PH-Kesidang), Low Chee Leong (PH-Kota Laksamana), Leng Chau Yen (PH-Banda Hilir), and State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Kerk Chee Yee (PH-Ayer Keroh). Their resignations were executed despite a direct appeal from the Prime Minister on the same day, who had requested the Melaka DAP to postpone the decision to focus on the development and welfare of the people.

-NMT