Melaka Opposition bench left with two assemblymen, says Chief Minister

MELAKA: It is now official that five former Opposition assemblymen are part of the Barisan Nasional-led Melaka Government following an announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali during the state legislative assembly on Monday (Dec 12).

The five are Low Chee Leong (DAP-Kota Laksamana), Alex Seah (DAP-Kesidang), Kerk Chee Yee (DAP-Ayer Keroh), Leng Chau Yen (DAP-Bandar Hilir) and Adly Zahari (Amanah-Bukit Katil).

The remaining two assemblymen in the assembly - Dr Mohd Aleef Yusof (Bersatu-Sungai Udang) and Dr Mohd Yadzil (Bersatu-Bemban) - now sit on the Opposition bench.

Barisan won 21 out of 28 state seats in the 2021 Melaka state elections and had conformed to the unity government formed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last month.

Sulaiman thanked all five assemblymen for being part of the state government's strategic partners during the proceedings on Monday.

He also congratulated Anwar and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for being appointed as the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, respectively, when tabling the state budget.

Sulaiman unveiled the state’s Budget 2023 with the theme “Prosperity Together, Fulfilling Promises, Recovery of Economy '' with an allocation of RM455.43mil, of which RM443.86mil is allocated for operating expenditure and RM82mil for development expenditure.

He said the operating expenditure comprised liabilities estimated at RM11.56mil while RM58.36mil from the state’s revenue and a RM23.64mil grant provided by the Federal Government.

Sulaiman said the state government continues to strive to improve its financial performance, including focusing on controlling the current deficit, reducing debt and increasing reserves, improving the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen, enhancing tourism capacity and safeguarding the welfare of the people.

Earlier, the assembly was told that the local government had to bear the cost amounting to RM309, 921 due to 173 cases of uprooted trees from January to Sunday (Dec 10).

Melaka housing, local government and environment committee chairman Datuk Zaidi Attan said the the uprooting incidents cost the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) a sum of RM245,725, Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) RM55,250 and RM8,946 for Alor Gajah Municipal Council (MPAG).

He said the local councils will continue to ensure the stability and health of these trees through various efforts.