MELAKA: DAP's abrupt exit from the Melaka state administration effectively closed the door on negotiations sought by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The Melaka Chief Minister said the state government had not completely ruled out the possibility of DAP assemblymen reversing their decision to withdraw from the state administration, despite the party's announcement on Tuesday (July 14).
He said his position took into account the advice of Anwar, who is also President of Pakatan Harapan, after the Prime Minister personally contacted him and urged that room be left for negotiations following the decision by four DAP assemblymen to withdraw support for the state government.
However, Ab Rauf said the opportunity for discussions quickly evaporated after DAP immediately submitted resignation letters for all its positions in the state administration following the announcement.
"I take note of and respect the Prime Minister's views in asking me to leave room for negotiations following the action taken by the DAP elected representatives.
"I appreciate the Prime Minister's concern to ensure that economic development and the welfare of the people continue to be prioritised.
"However, they did not wait for negotiations but instead made their decision and immediately submitted all their resignation letters," he told reporters at Seri Negeri in Ayer Keroh on Wednesday (July 15).
Earlier, Melaka Pakatan chairman Adly Zahari said the coalition would hold a special meeting on Thursday (July 16) before making a final decision on its position regarding the Melaka state government.
Adly said the meeting would determine the future of cooperation between Pakatan and Barisan Nasional in the state following DAP's withdrawal from the Melaka administration.
Commenting further, Ab Rauf said the state government had received the official resignation letters on Tuesday, allowing seating arrangements in the legislative assembly to be changed with immediate effect.
"That is why when the Prime Minister asked for negotiations, I told him it was no longer possible because they had already submitted all the resignation letters," he said.
Nevertheless, he stressed that the state government had never closed the door to discussions, particularly on matters involving the interests of the people and the state's development.
Ab Rauf said that although DAP was no longer part of his administration, both sides need not become political enemies to the detriment of governance and public welfare.
"We may no longer be together in the state administration, but that does not mean we have to become enemies, whether personally or in our efforts to safeguard the interests of the locals.
"The state government will always remain open to discussions, particularly on matters involving the interests of the people," he said.
At the same time, Ab Rauf said the state government respected DAP's decision to relinquish all its positions, including executive councillors, deputy executive councillors, the deputy speaker, appointments in government-linked companies (GLCs), local authorities and constituency service centres (Japerun).
"Following this, the state government will take over the management of the Japerun service centres and complete all new appointments in accordance with the Melaka Constitution and the prevailing administrative regulations," he added.
The four assemblymen who relinquished their positions were Allex Seah Shoo Chin (Kesidang), Low Chee Leong (Kota Laksamana), Leng Chau Yen (Banda Hilir) and Kerk Chee Yee (Ayer Keroh).
On Tuesday (July 14), the Prime Minister urged Melaka DAP to postpone the decision so that the focus can remain on development and the people's welfare.
Melaka DAP announced its immediate withdrawal from the state government after the Melaka Legislative Assembly passed amendments to the State Constitution to allow for the appointment of nominated assemblymen.
Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the decision was in line with the party's stand in opposing the bill, which it claimed was contrary to the principles of democracy and elections.
