THE Melaka state government has ruled out any immediate move to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly, signalling that the state will not be drawn into the electoral momentum generated by neighbouring Johor and Negeri Sembilan, both of which have already cleared the way for state elections.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said Melaka still has time before the current legislative term expires at the end of the year and stressed that any decision to dissolve the assembly would be made according to the state's own priorities rather than external political developments.
Speaking after a thanksgiving gathering at his residence in Kampung Pulau, Ab Rauf said there was no compelling reason for Melaka to rush into an election merely because other states had chosen to do so.
"The atmosphere and circumstances in Johor are not the same as those in Melaka. Likewise, the situation in Negeri Sembilan does not require Melaka to dissolve its State Legislative Assembly immediately.
"We will continue carrying out the affairs of government and serving the people until a date is officially announced," he said.
The Chief Minister made it clear that the Melaka administration remains focused on governing and delivering services to the people, arguing that political decisions should be guided by local circumstances rather than developments elsewhere.
Ab Rauf, who is also chairman of the state UMNO liaison committee, said Melaka would not allow its political timetable to be dictated by events in other states.
"We do not want to follow the music played by others, nor will we dance to their tune.
"Their rhythm is their rhythm; Melaka's rhythm is Melaka's rhythm.
"However, as a neighbouring state, we will cooperate by assisting the Barisan Nasional machinery in securing victory in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
"The results of the elections in those two states will be taken into consideration before any decision is made in Melaka," he said.
His remarks indicate that the outcomes of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections could influence Melaka's political calculations, although the state government remains unwilling to commit to a specific timetable.
Ab Rauf also dismissed suggestions that political pressure was pushing the state administration towards an early election, saying he remained focused on resolving government priorities before considering a dissolution.
"I have my own calculations and arrangements that need to be settled in accordance with the administration and affairs of the state government first," he said.
Despite ruling out an immediate dissolution, the Chief Minister did not exclude the possibility of Melaka eventually holding its state election concurrently with other polls should circumstances warrant it.
"In politics, nothing is impossible. Politics is the art of a thousand and one possibilities. Whatever happens, we shall wait and see," he said.
For now, Melaka appears determined to prioritise administrative continuity and policy implementation, positioning itself as an exception to the growing election cycle taking shape across several states while keeping all political options open for the months ahead. - June 6, 2026
