Pakatan Harapan (PH) has confirmed its decision to withdraw from the Melaka state government after maintaining its opposition to amendments to the Melaka State Constitution that allow for the appointment of state assemblymen.
Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari said the decision was reached during a PH leadership meeting with the coalition’s Melaka state assemblymen on Thursday, where current political developments in the state were discussed.
He said the meeting reaffirmed the decision for PH’s five assemblymen to leave the state administration after finalising the coalition’s position on the constitutional amendment.
“The withdrawal from the state government is in line with democratic principles and practice. When an executive councillor or government assemblyman no longer supports a government motion in the State Legislative Assembly, they are no longer entitled to enjoy the privileges and facilities provided by the state government,” he said in a joint statement.
The statement was also signed by Melaka PKR chairman Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong and Melaka Amanah chairman Datuk Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat.
On Wednesday, Adly said PH would make a final decision on its position in the state government during a special meeting, adding that the coalition had taken into account Prime Minister and PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s request for Melaka DAP to delay its withdrawal to prioritise development and public welfare.
The decision to pull support from the Melaka government came after the Melaka State Legislative Assembly approved the amendment to create appointed state assemblymen.
The five PH assemblymen involved are Allex Seah Shoo Chin (Kesidang), Kerk Chee Yee (Ayer Keroh), Low Chee Leong (Kota Laksamana), Leng Chau Yen (Bandar Hilir), and Adly Zahari (Bukit Katil).
Adly also announced that all PH-appointed local councillors and Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) members would resign with effect from July 31 to ensure a smooth transition.
He expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, the state government and the civil service for their cooperation and trust throughout PH’s tenure in the state administration.
Despite leaving the government, Adly said all PH assemblymen would continue serving the people of Melaka regardless of political affiliation until the end of their elected mandate.
