Melaka Opposition bloc turns down CM's invite to join state government

MELAKA: Melaka Opposition leader Dr Yadzil Yaakub has rejected an offer to join the government bloc as part of efforts to strengthen the state's unity government.

Dr Yadzil, Perikatan Nasional's Bemban state assemblyman, said he and Sungai Udang assemblyman Dr Mohd Aleef Yusof had decided to remain in the Opposition to serve as a check-and-balance to the state government.

"Do not fear us as the Opposition comprises just two representatives.

"The question now is whether the 21-member Melaka government comprising exco and deputy exco members will be more efficient and be able to record a multifold increase in revenue - it will be impossible without extra expenditure," he said in a statement on Friday (April 7).

Dr Yadzil said the appointment of deputy exco members in a small Melaka state government was a waste of money.

"We will listen to and carry the community's voice and pulsebeat of the people in the state," he added.

On Thursday (April 7), Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said he hoped the two Perikatan assemblymen could join the newly formed state government before the Anti-Party Hopping Enactment was tabled in the State Assembly in July.

Ab Rauf, who is also state Umno chief, said if the two agree to join the unity government, Melaka will create history for being the first zero-opposition state.

The Melaka State Assembly has 28 seats – 21 for Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan (five) and Perikatan (two). – Bernama