Anwar asks DAP to reconsider quitting Melaka govt

 The PH chairman says the matter should be negotiated between him, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and the Melaka chief minister.

PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim said it was important to maintain the cooperation in Melaka for the sake of the people and to ensure continued economic development.

PETALING JAYA:

Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim has urged Melaka DAP to reconsider its decision to quit the Barisan Nasional-led state government.

The prime minister said the matter should be negotiated between him, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh first, Utusan Malaysia reported.

While there may be disagreements between DAP and Rauf’s administration, Anwar said it was important to maintain the cooperation for the sake of the people and to ensure continued economic development.

“I discussed the matter with Loke and the chief minister earlier. If possible, hold off (on quitting the Melaka government) for now … I hope they will consider my appeal,” said the PKR president.

FMT has reached out to Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong for comment.

At a press conference this afternoon, Melaka DAP announced its withdrawal from the state government following the passage of a constitutional amendment allowing the appointment of up to seven unelected state assemblymen.

Khoo said the party’s two executive councillors, two deputy executive councillors and deputy speaker would resign from their posts.

The Kota Melaka MP added that all four DAP assemblymen would sit on the opposition benches when the Melaka assembly reconvenes tomorrow.

DAP joined the state government when Rauf became chief minister in 2023 and reshuffled the executive council to reflect the PH-BN partnership at the unity government level.

BN holds a two-thirds majority in the 28-member Melaka assembly with its 20 seats. PH holds five while Perikatan Nasional has three. - FMT