PETALING JAYA: The Melaka state assembly today passed a constitutional amendment bill allowing the appointment of up to seven unelected assemblymen.
State assembly speaker Ibrahim Durum said 23 assemblymen voted in favour of the bill, while five opposed.
The vote was carried out after the proposed amendment was tabled by chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh and debated.
Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that Melaka DAP was set to announce its withdrawal from the Barisan Nasional (BN)-led state government and resign from all positions in the administration in protest of the bill.
When contacted, Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong told FMT that DAP would withdraw from the state government and relinquish its posts in Rauf’s administration “if the bill is passed”.
There are currently four DAP assemblymen in the Melaka administration.
Seah Shoo Chin, the Kesidang assemblyman, is the executive councillor for entrepreneur development, cooperatives and consumer affairs.
Low Chee Leong (Kota Laksamana), Leng Chau Yen (Bandar Hilir) and Kerk Chee Yee (Ayer Keroh) are deputy executive councillors.
The Johor state assembly passed a similar bill in May, allowing the appointment of five unelected assemblymen and increasing the total number of state representatives to 61.
The proposal drew criticism from opposition parties, BN allies in the federal government such as DAP and PKR, as well as civil society groups.
