[UPDATED] Governor dissolves Melaka assembly, snap polls within 60 days

KUALA LUMPUR – Melaka will face a snap election in 60 days after Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam dissolved the state assembly effective yesterday. 

In a press conference today, state assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the dissolution proclamation was gazetted today.

Rauf said this is following a letter sent by outgoing chief minister Umno’s Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali to the governor informing that four assemblymen withdrew their support for the state leadership.

The four are Umno lawmaker Datuk Seri Idris Haron, Umno’s Datuk Nor Azman Hassan, independent assemblyman Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee and Bersatu’s Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad.

“At the same time, he asked for permission for the governor to dissolve Melaka’s 14th state assembly.

“Therefore, the governor made considerations and had consented to dissolve the state assembly yesterday.

“The proclamation of the dissolution is gazetted today, October 5,” Rauf said.

The snap election has to take place within 60 days of dissolution.

In the same presser, Rauf said the Election Commission (EC) will decide on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the election.

“Following the dissolution, the current state government will be the caretaker until the next election.

“It is also up to the NSC (National Security Council) and Health Ministry on the next decision,” he said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said the EC will issue strict SOPs to ensure everything is under control during the elections.

The Bera MP said this is to prevent any surge in Covid-19 cases, such as that which occurred after the Sabah election last year. 

Earlier, sources from Istana Melaka said Ali, who is currently undergoing quarantine for a week beginning September 30, had held discussions via phone calls last night, reported Berita Harian.

Meanwhile, Idris claims two more assemblymen will withdraw their support for Melaka chief minister, according to Bernama.

This comes after the decision of the four assemblymen to withdraw their support for the state leadership, citing loss of confidence in chief minister Sulaiman. – The Vibes, October 5, 2021