AYER KEROH: Barisan Nasional’s landslide victory in the recently concluded Melaka state election was a meaningful one, as it clearly showed that people want political stability, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman also said the landslide victory showed that the coalition had become the public’s preferred choice.
"This clearly showed a change in public attitude, where the people have returned to Barisan," he said during a speech at Barisan’s operation centre in Ayer Keroh on Saturday (Nov 20) night.
Ahmad Zahid also thanked Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, who was also the Barisan election director, and the Election Commission (EC) officers for ensuring smooth polls.
"I would like to convey my unwavering appreciation to voters and the people of Melaka.
"The trust that was given to Barisan will be reciprocated by our assemblymen, who will give the best service to all constituents," added Ahmad Zahid.
Ahmad Zahid also said Barisan would introduce an anti-party hopping law to prevent elected assemblymen from defecting to other parties.
"We will propose cooperation among assemblymen to ensure the state government remains for the next four years."
Ahmad Zahid also said Barisan would introduce several transformations in the Melaka state assembly in order to ensure elected representatives played a more effective role in policy making.
"I’m confident that with this, we will be able to ensure political stability exists in the new political landscape," he added.
According to official results by the EC, Barisan won 20 seats - Paya Rumput, Ayer Molek Kuala Linggi, Tanjung Bidara, Ayer Limau, Lendu, Taboh Naning, Rembia, Gadek, Machap Jaya, Asahan, Durian Tunggal, Pantai Kundor, Kelebang, Duyong, Rim, Serkam, Merlimau, Telok Mas, and Sungai Rambai.
Pakatan won five seats - Ayer Keroh, Bukit Katil, Kota Laksamana, Bandar Hilir and Kesidang.
Perikatan only won two seats - Bemban and Sungai Udang.
The results of the last seat Pengkalan Batu have yet to be announced.
In the 13th general election in 2013, Barisan won the Melaka state government after winning 21 seats against the former Pakatan Rakyat coalition that only managed to get seven seats.
However, during the 14th general election in 2018, Barisan lost the state government after it only managed to garner 13 seats against Pakatan’s 15 seats.
The state government led by Pakatan with a slim majority of 15 assemblymen was eventually toppled in March 2020, following the defection of two assemblymen.
It was then replaced by a Barisan/Perikatan Nasional state government led by Umno's Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.
The Melaka state assembly was dissolved on Oct 4 after the state government collapsed following the defection of four assemblymen.
