KUALA LUMPUR – Two Melaka assemblymen from Umno should expect termination letters following the collapse of the state government today, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The party president told a press conference outside the Dewan Rakyat that Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali should continue to lead a “caretaker government” in the state until the Election Commission (EC) announces fresh polls.
He indicated that the duo – former chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron (Sg Udang) and Datuk Nor Azman Hassan (Pantai Kundor) – should be prepared to receive the letters over the state’s fiasco.
“For the BN-Umno assemblymen who betrayed the Melaka government, I hope they are ready to face action from the party.
“I feel that the events that happened at the national level and several states (before) now require loyalty from all people’s representatives. There should be a focus on loyalty to the party, especially when (the government) is led by Umno and BN.”
Zahid said Umno stands behind Sulaiman.
On the possibility of a state election, he said it is up to the assessments and decisions by the National Security Council (NSC), Health Ministry and EC.
However, he said he believes that it is “very dangerous” to hold an election within the 60-day time frame as required by the polls body, given the Covid-19 threat.
“What has happened in Sarawak can be followed as a guide.
“I feel that the priority should be on public health and (addressing) the pandemic.”
Earlier, State Speaker Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam has dissolved the state assembly effective yesterday, with the dissolution proclamation gazetted today.
He said this follows a letter sent by Sulaiman to the governor informing that four reps have withdrawn their support for the state leadership.
The four are Umno’s Idris and Nor Azman, Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee (independent) and Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad (Bersatu).
“At the same time, he asked for permission for the governor to dissolve the 14th state assembly,” said Rauf.
“The governor made considerations, and consented to the dissolution of the state assembly yesterday.
“The proclamation of the dissolution was gazetted today, October 5.”
A snap election has to take place within 60 days of the dissolution.
Rauf said the EC will decide on the standard operating procedures for the vote.
“Following the dissolution, the current state government will be the caretaker until the next election.
“It is also up to NSC and the Health Ministry to make the next decision.” – The Vibes, October 5, 2021
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