[UPDATED] 4 Melaka reps withdraw support for CM, sparking rumours of govt collapse

MELAKA – Four state assemblyman here have formally withdrawn support for the state leadership, citing loss of confidence in Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali’s handling of the government.

Speculations are now rife that this will lead to the fall of the Barisan Nasional (BN) state government.

The four are former chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron (Sg Udang-BN), Datuk Nor Azman Hassan (Pantai Kundor-BN), Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Pengkalan Batu-Independent) and Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad (Telok Mas-Bersatu).

Idris, who is an Umno lawmaker, said they have all submitted letters retracting their support for Azman’s leadership.

“The four of us would like to announce our loss of confidence in Sulaiman’s leadership as well as the whole present state government line-up,” he said at a press conference today.

On Saturday, Sulaiman had responded to speculation about the four reps defecting, possibly leading to the collapse of the current government, by saying that there was no need for him to meet them.

“Anyone who wants to be chief minister can come and meet the leadership. If the other side has enough SDs (statutory declarations), go ahead. I am my normal self; so, too, are the other excos,” he had said.

Sulaiman had also said he did not know whether there are moves to form a unity government, as alleged, and that he remained focused on resolving the people’s problems related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Idris said the letters were sent to the Chief Minister’s Office, adding that all four are giving the state government the opportunity to continue administering Melaka.

Asked whether all four of them will throw support behind Pakatan Harapan (PH), Idris said it was up to the opposition coalition.

“For that you will have to ask Pakatan Harapan, whether it is ready or not,” he said.

“But with the spirit of giving opportunity for this state to get a (new) leadership and administration that is more effective and efficient, I believe there is a way for us.”

On whether they have gathered enough statutory declarations from other reps to join them, Idris said the move by just four of them is enough to show their dismay at the chief minister’s leadership.

“At the same time, we are withdrawing support and stating that we are not supporting the current state government.”

“The four of us have retracted support. Based on the (seats) calculation, it shows that the state government has lost its majority and this needs to be managed immediately,” he claimed.

The Melaka assembly has a total of 28 seats, with the current BN-Bersatu administration holding 17 until now.

With the four assemblymen pulling support, Sulaiman has the confidence of only 13 seats, which is two short of simple majority.

Idris, who was quizzed by a reporter on his status in Umno, said both he and Nor Azman are still members of the party and are prepared for any disciplinary action.

“We leave it to the party and disciplinary committee for any further action,” Idris said, adding that he is also willing to accept being dropped by Umno.

“However, we are maintaining our stance in placing the people’s needs above all.”

Idris said the reason for the withdrawal was due to the state government’s handling of affairs and policies, as well as initiatives that have yet to be delivered.

“It is as though there are two lions in one mountain,” Idris said.

“This has raised our anxiety and brought us to awareness to change the situation.” – The Vibes, October 4, 2021