KUALA LUMPUR — DAP Melaka has announced its withdrawal from the state government led by Barisan Nasional (BN), following the Melaka State Legislative Assembly’s approval of a constitutional amendment allowing the appointment of up to seven nominated state assemblymen.
Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said two executive council (exco) members, two deputy exco members and the deputy speaker from the party would resign from their respective positions in the state administration.
He said the amendment went against fundamental democratic principles, arguing that elected representatives should be chosen by voters rather than appointed.
“Representatives should be elected by the people, not appointed,” he said.
Khoo added that while DAP acknowledged the importance of bringing in professionals and experts to contribute to governance, they should not be given the powers of elected lawmakers.
“We do not deny the need to obtain the services of professionals and experts. But they should not be appointed as state assemblymen who have the power to sit and vote in the State Legislative Assembly,” he said.
The decision was announced at a special press conference attended by four DAP assemblymen — Allex Seah Shoo Chin (Kesidang), Kerk Chee Yee (Ayer Keroh), Low Chee Leong (Kota Laksamana) and Leng Chau Yen (Banda Hilir).
Those stepping down are Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs exco Allex Seah, DUN deputy speaker Kerk Chee Yee, as well as deputy exco members Low Chee Leong and Leng Chau Yen.
DAP joined the Melaka state government under BN following the 2021 Melaka state election.
Earlier today, the Melaka State Legislative Assembly passed the Melaka State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, paving the way for the appointment of up to seven nominated assemblymen.
The Bill was approved with the support of 23 assemblymen, while five voted against it.
It was tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and seconded by Senior State Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Datuk Rais Yasin.
Rauf said the amendment was intended to strengthen representation in the state assembly by enabling individuals with expertise and experience in areas including law, economics, education, investment, technology and state development to contribute directly to policymaking and legislative discussions.
He said the move would also provide opportunities for groups that were previously underrepresented.
“The appointments can enhance the participation of women, youths, the Orang Asli, minority communities, professionals and industry representatives who may not succeed through the electoral process but can contribute meaningfully to the state’s development,” he said.
Rauf said the amendment would also improve the quality of debates in the state assembly by allowing appointed members to provide technical and objective perspectives on bills, policies and matters related to state administration.
The amendment was debated by three assemblymen, including two from the government bloc and one from the opposition.
Melaka Opposition Leader Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub said the opposition supported the Bill, provided it was implemented through a transparent mechanism that prioritised the interests of the people.
Citing the appointment system for members of the Dewan Negara at the federal level, he said individuals with expertise, experience and contributions to the country could play a role in the legislative process.
The amendment allowing the appointment of nominated state assemblymen was among BN’s manifesto pledges under Thrust 1: Political Stability (Promoting Mature Politics) during the 2021 Melaka state election. – July 14, 2026