MELAKA: The Melaka Legislative Assembly will be dissolved today, paving the way for the 16th state election.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the dissolution had received the consent of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.
“I had an audience with Tun Dr Mohd Ali to brief him on the status of the state legislative assembly and sought his consent for its dissolution.
“I am pleased to announce that he has consented to the dissolution of the legislative assembly, effective Wednesday (today),” he told a special press conference at Seri Negeri.
Ab Rauf had called for the press conference to announce the dissolution of the state assembly, following weeks of speculation.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri for his consent and wisdom in carrying out his functions as provided for under the law,” he added.
Ab Rauf said state assembly Speaker Datuk Ibrahim Durum had also submitted the notice of dissolution to the Election Commission.
“The dissolution marks the end of the current term, and the subsequent process will be carried out in accordance with the requirements set by the relevant authorities,” he added.
Ab Rauf expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all assemblymen for carrying out their responsibilities throughout the state government’s term.
“At the same time, I wish to assure the people that the dissolution of the state assembly does not mean that government operations will cease.
“Public services, welfare assistance and the government’s daily operations will continue as usual.
“The state government will function as a caretaker government until a new administration is formed through the electoral process,” Ab Rauf said.
The Election Commission is expected to meet soon to set the dates for the issuance of the election writ, as well as for nomination and polling.
The 28-seat state assembly comprised 21 representatives from Barisan Nasional, five from Pakatan Harapan and two from Perikatan Nasional, following the 2021 state election.
Earlier in the day, news that Ab Rauf had chaired the exco meeting – traditionally held on Wednesday – had fuelled speculation that a formal announcement would be coming.
The media then received an invitation from the Chief Minister’s press secretary to a special press conference, further confirming that an announcement was imminent.
