PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has appealed to DAP Melaka to suspend its decision to withdraw support for the Melaka state government, urging the party to resolve its differences through negotiations to avoid disrupting the state's administration.
Speaking after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the Midport AI Smart Container Port in Pasir Panjang, Melaka, Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said he had discussed the matter with DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
"I spoke earlier with Anthony Loke, with DAP and with the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. If possible, they should negotiate first and postpone this for a while so that we can continue working, focus on state matters first until after the election," he said.
Asked whether the discussions were aimed at preventing DAP from leaving the state government, Anwar said maintaining cooperation despite disagreements would best serve the public interest.
"That would be the best approach. Even if there are two or three matters on which we disagree, that's alright. There are many things we do not agree on now. But in terms of policies for economic growth and the welfare of the people, we should continue.
"So, I hope they (DAP) will reconsider so that the work of the government is not disrupted," he said.
Anwar's remarks came after DAP Melaka announced that it was immediately withdrawing support for the Barisan Nasional-led state administration following the Melaka State Legislative Assembly's approval of the Constitution of the State of Melaka (Amendment) Enactment 2026.
The amendment provides for the appointment of seven nominated state assembly members, a move that DAP has consistently opposed on the grounds that it undermines democratic principles.
DAP Melaka chairman Khoo Poay Tiong subsequently confirmed that five Pakatan Harapan assemblymen would leave the government bloc and take their seats on the opposition benches when the State Legislative Assembly reconvenes on Wednesday.
The five comprise four DAP assemblymen and Bukit Katil assemblyman Adly Zahari of Parti Amanah Negara.
Khoo said a formal letter notifying the Speaker of the decision had been prepared and would be submitted the same day.
"Yes, they will enter the chamber as usual tomorrow, but their seats will change from the government bloc to the opposition bloc.
"The letter is ready and will be submitted today," he said at a press conference after the State Legislative Assembly sitting at Seri Negeri.
Khoo also declared that political cooperation between DAP and Barisan Nasional in Melaka had ended, adding that DAP would contest the next Melaka state election independently.
He said the party's top leadership had been informed of the decision.
When asked whether the move had received Anwar's endorsement as PH chairman, Khoo said the Prime Minister had left matters concerning the state administration to the state leadership.
"The Prime Minister has many bigger and more serious matters to manage. Matters concerning the state government should be left for us to handle," he said.
Khoo reiterated that DAP's withdrawal was driven by its longstanding opposition to the constitutional amendment introducing nominated assembly members.
"We have been consistent on this issue for a long time. The amendment concerning nominated assembly members is contrary to democratic principles, and that is why we have taken this position," he said. - July 14, 2026
