MELAKA: Melaka Barisan Nasional has never shared power with DAP, whose assemblymen's role in the state administration merely mirrors the unity government concept in Putrajaya, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The Melaka Chief Minister said Barisan formed the state government on its own following the 2021 Melaka Election and never had a formal agreement with another political coalition to govern the state.
"After the last state election, we did not establish the administration with any other party to form the state government.
"I adopted the spirit of understanding practised in Putrajaya and applied it here without forming a government with any other party.
"Their position was merely to complement the unity arrangement in Putrajaya," he told reporters at Seri Negeri here on Tuesday (July 14).
He was commenting on DAP's decision to withdraw from the state administration after opposing an amendment to the Melaka Constitution to allow the appointment of up to seven nominated state assemblymen.
Four DAP assemblymen subsequently relinquished their positions in the state administration to protest the constitutional amendment.
Melaka Pakatan Harapan chairman and Bukit Katil assemblyman Adly Zahari of Amanah also objected to the Bill to amend the state constitution.
The Melaka State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed with the support of 23 assemblymen, while five voted against it.
Ab Rauf, who is also Melaka Barisan chairman, said the state administration had functioned harmoniously throughout the cooperation despite the absence of any formal agreement between Barisan and Pakatan.
"We have successfully governed the state in harmony and without prejudice.
"They (DAP) themselves can judge how well we have managed the state government and demonstrated the credibility of an administration committed to developing Melaka," he said.
Ab Rauf said he respected DAP's stand and said he would not view the difference in opinion as an act of hostility.
"I cannot stop their party from making that decision because there was never any formal agreement on their participation in this administration," he added.
He said the constitutional amendment aims to strengthen representation in the state assembly by allowing the appointment of individuals with expertise and experience in fields such as law, economics, education, investment, technology and state development to contribute directly to policymaking and legislative debates.
"The Bill will also create opportunities for underrepresented groups.
"The appointments of assemblymen can enhance the participation of women, youth, Orang Asli, minority communities, professionals and industry representatives who may not succeed through the electoral process but can contribute meaningfully to the state's development," he said.
