DAP against having Melaka polls, says it may jeopardise country’s Covid-19 recovery efforts

PUTRAJAYA: Holding a state election in Melaka may jeopardise the country’s Covid-19 recovery efforts and trigger a repeat of the Sabah episode, says DAP’s central executive committee (CEC).

Khoo Poay Tiong, the assistant organising secretary of DAP’s CEC, said the committee is against having an election in the state and instead, a coalition with a majority should be given the chance to form a new government.

“The CEC is against holding a state election. Malaysia is now recovering from the Covid-19 crisis and a state-wide election may jeopardise the recovery efforts.

“We must not repeat the same mistake as the Sabah election last year, which led to new waves of infections and the loss of control over the pandemic.

“Since the Perikatan Nasional government in Melaka has collapsed, the incumbent chief minister, Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, should have tendered his resignation immediately as he no longer has the majority in the state assembly.

“He has no position to advise for the dissolution of the state assembly.

“The Yang di-Pertua Negeri must be allowed to act independently and objectively, in accordance with the state constitution and without any undue influence or pressure from external parties.

“A new government should be formed in Melaka in accordance with the state constitution.

“The party or coalition with the majority should be given the first opportunity and invitation to form a new government,” said Khoo in a statement.