MELAKA: Melaka Pakatan Harapan stands by its decision to withdraw from Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh's administration, brushing aside calls for further negotiations after reaffirming its opposition to the creation of nominated assemblymen.
Melaka Pakatan chairman Adly Zahari said the decision was reaffirmed during a leadership meeting on Thursday (July 16) attended by the coalition's leaders and its four DAP assemblymen to review the latest political developments in the state.
He said the meeting confirmed the withdrawal of Pakatan's five assemblymen from the state government following the coalition's final decision to oppose the amendment to the Melaka Constitution providing for the appointment of nominated assemblymen.
"The decision to withdraw from the state government is in line with democratic principles and practice.
"When an executive councillor or a government assemblyman no longer supports a government motion in the State legislative assembly, they are no longer entitled to enjoy the privileges and facilities of the state government," he said in a joint statement on Thursday (July 16).
The statement was also signed by Melaka PKR chairman Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong and Melaka Amanah chairman Datuk Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat.
On Wednesday (July 15), Adly had said during a press conference at Seri Negeri that the coalition would make a final decision on its position in the state administration following a special meeting Thursday (July 16).
He said the meeting had also taken into account the views of Pakatan's president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had urged Melaka DAP to defer its decision to leave the state administration so that attention could remain focused on development and the people's welfare.
The decision by four DAP assemblymen and one Amanah assemblyman to withdraw support from the state administration followed the state assembly approval of the constitutional amendment to create nominated assemblymen.
The five assemblymen are Allex Seah Shoo Chin (Kesidang), Kerk Chee Yee (Ayer Keroh), Low Chee Leong (Kota Laksamana), Leng Chau Yen (Bandar Hilir) and Adly (Bukit Katil).
Meanwhile, Adly said the meeting also decided that all Pakatan representatives serving as local councillors and Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) representatives would resign with effect from July 31 to ensure a smooth transition.
He said Melaka Pakatan Harapan also recorded its appreciation to the Melaka Chief Minister, the state government and the civil servants for the trust and cooperation extended throughout the coalition's tenure in the state administration.
"All Pakatan assemblymen will continue to focus on and intensify their service to the locals, regardless of political affiliation, until the end of the mandate entrusted to them," he added.
