DAP quits Melaka govt after appointed reps bill passed

Melaka DAP Khoo Poay Tiong said allowing the appointment of up to seven unelected assemblymen was fundamentally at odds with democratic principles. (Japen pic)

PETALING JAYA: Melaka DAP has announced its withdrawal from the state government following the passage of a constitutional amendment allowing the appointment of up to seven unelected state assemblymen.

State chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the party’s two state executive councillors, two deputy executive councillors and the deputy speaker would resign from their posts in the Barisan Nasional-led administration.

He said the amendment was fundamentally at odds with democratic principles, insisting that state assemblymen should be elected by the people rather than appointed.

“We do not deny the need for professionals and experts, but they should not become appointed assemblymen with the power to sit in the assembly and vote,” he told a press conference.

DAP is part of the BN-led Melaka state government, which was formed after the 2021 state election.

MORE TO COME 

Author: admin