MELAKA: Major policy decisions and financial commitments will be put on hold when Melaka’s caretaker government takes effect on Wednesday (Sept 23).
State secretary Datuk Salhah Salleh (pic) said the interim arrangement would remain in place until a new state government is formed after the Melaka polls.
She stressed that the dissolution of the state legislative assembly did not bring the administration to a standstill or deprive it of its governing authority.
“The state administration must continue to ensure the delivery of public services, public safety and welfare, sound financial management and the fulfilment of its legal obligations,” she said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 22).
Salhah said the caretaker government operated under constitutional convention to prevent an executive vacuum following the assembly’s dissolution.
She said this would allow essential executive functions to continue, including advising the Yang di-Pertua Negeri in accordance with the Melaka Constitution.
“Administrative authority remains, but the scope for political and policy discretion becomes more limited.
“Put simply, the authority remains, but discretion is reduced,” she said.
Salhah said the Chief Minister and members of the state executive council would continue carrying out duties necessary to maintain the continuity of the state administration.
"They must, however, be guided by the principles of necessity, neutrality, administrative continuity, public interest and accountability," she said.
Salhah said the caretaker government should avoid or defer new policies, substantial financial commitments, non-urgent projects or contracts, major new grants and long-term strategic appointments.
"Decisions that could bind the incoming government should also be postponed wherever permitted by law and circumstances," she added.
