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CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has dismissed concerns that the Melaka government would be affected following the withdrawal of four DAP assemblymen, including former chief minister Adly Zahari of Amanah, from the state administration effective immediately.
Ab Rauf said the Barisan Nasional (BN)-led government had never relied on any political party to form the state administration after the 2021 Melaka state election, claiming the coalition had secured a sufficient mandate to govern on its own.
He said the cooperation extended to parties in the unity government was merely an extension of the understanding practised at the federal level, rather than a formal arrangement that determined the composition of the Melaka government.
“In the formation of the Melaka government after the last election, we did not form the government with any other party to support its establishment.
“I took the approach of translating the spirit of understanding in Putrajaya to Melaka, without forming a government together with any other party. Their presence was more about complementing the spirit of unity,” he told reporters after attending the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Melaka State Legislative Assembly at Seri Negeri today.
Earlier, the Melaka State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, which provides for the appointment of non-executive assembly members, was passed during its third reading with 23 votes in favour and five DAP assemblymen voting against it.
The bill was tabled by Ab Rauf and seconded by the state Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin.
Responding to DAP’s decision to relinquish their government positions, Ab Rauf said it was the party’s prerogative and he had no intention of preventing the move.
He said the cooperation throughout the period had allowed the state administration to remain stable and harmonious, while proving BN’s ability to govern effectively.
“Whatever decision is made by our DAP friends, including if they disagree with this proposal and decide to withdraw from the government, I cannot stop their party’s decision.
“Their presence in this government was like a marriage without a religious registrar, and a divorce without a divorce declaration,” he said jokingly, drawing laughter from reporters.
Ab Rauf added that the cooperation had never been based on any formal agreement between the parties.
“We did not have a formal agreement that would allow us to claim matrimonial assets. We had a wedding without a stage,” he quipped. - July 14, 2026
