DAP Melaka has withdrawn its support for the state government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh following the passage of a constitutional amendment allowing the appointment of seven additional assembly members.
The decision was announced by Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong at a special press conference today, shortly after the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) approved the Melaka State Constitution (Amendment) Enactment 2026.
The amendment paves the way for the appointment of seven appointed state assemblymen, a move that DAP said had prompted the party to reconsider its position in the state administration.
Also present at the press conference were four DAP assemblymen — Allex Seah Shoo Chin (Kesidang), Kerk Chee Yee (Ayer Keroh), Low Chee Leong (Kota Laksamana) and Leng Chau Yen (Banda Hilir).
The Melaka State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, tabled by Ab Rauf, was approved through a show of hands, receiving 23 votes in support and five against.
The approval has created a deep divide between the state government and Melaka DAP, which strongly opposed the amendment, arguing that the introduction of appointed legislators risks undermining the democratic mandate of elected representatives while increasing the influence of the executive over the legislative process.
Defending the move, Ab Rauf said the amendment would not change the existing composition of the state assembly, which consists of 28 elected representatives, but would provide an avenue for individuals with specialised expertise to contribute directly to legislative affairs.
“In keeping with the principles of parliamentary democracy, we will withdraw from the Melaka state government,” Khoo said.
Speaking to reporters later at the Melaka State Legislative Assembly, he said the decision was made because Allex Seah, who serves as a state executive councillor, had voted against the motion tabled by the state government.
However, Khoo stressed that DAP’s stance remained unchanged, saying the party was standing firm against the proposal to appoint nominated assemblymen.
“Our position has always been clear — we oppose the proposal to appoint nominated assemblymen, and we stand by that principle,” he said.
He added that Melaka Pakatan Harapan chairman Adly Zahari had also voted against the Bill during the sitting.
Khoo acknowledged that the state government may want to bring in professionals and experts to contribute to governance, but said such individuals could instead be appointed as advisers rather than given positions in the legislature.
“If the state government wants the services of professionals or experts, they can appoint them as advisers instead of nominated assemblymen.
“Once they are appointed as assemblymen, they can sit in the State Legislative Assembly and vote. That goes against the principles of our electoral system, where representatives should be elected by the people,” he said.
Khoo said it would be inconsistent for DAP to remain in the administration after rejecting a key government motion.
“As a responsible party, we cannot reject a government motion while continuing to remain in government and enjoy the privileges and resources that come with it. That would not be fair,” he said.
He confirmed that Allex, along with DAP’s two deputy executive councillors and the deputy speaker of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly, would step down from their respective positions.
The four DAP assemblymen, however, will retain their elected seats and move to the opposition bloc.
Khoo also dismissed speculation that the move was linked to the upcoming Johor state election, saying DAP had informed Ab Rauf of its position before the Bill was tabled. - July 14, 2026
