DAP quits Malacca govt, asks Akmal about his pledge
Yiswaree Palansamy & Ayesha Sheik Mazrul
Published: Jul 14, 2026 4:03 PM
Updated: Jul 15, 2026 1:28 AM
DAP’s four Malacca assemblypersons have announced their resignations from the state government, honouring their pledge to step down if the state constitution was amended to allow for appointed assembly members.
Earlier, the Malacca State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed in the legislature by a show of hands, with 23 assembly members voting in favour and five against.
“Given that we have rejected the motion tabled by the government, we cannot reject it and remain in the government at the same time. That is not fair.
“As basic backbenchers, they should support the policies or motions in the state assembly. More so, this is an important motion as it concerns the state constitution,” Malacca DAP chief and Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong told a press conference.
The party will resign from all government positions it holds, including one state exco, two deputy excos, one deputy speaker, as well as all village heads and local councillors appointed under the state administration.
Published: Jul 14, 2026 4:03 PM
Updated: Jul 15, 2026 1:28 AM
DAP’s four Malacca assemblypersons have announced their resignations from the state government, honouring their pledge to step down if the state constitution was amended to allow for appointed assembly members.
Earlier, the Malacca State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed in the legislature by a show of hands, with 23 assembly members voting in favour and five against.
“Given that we have rejected the motion tabled by the government, we cannot reject it and remain in the government at the same time. That is not fair.
“As basic backbenchers, they should support the policies or motions in the state assembly. More so, this is an important motion as it concerns the state constitution,” Malacca DAP chief and Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong told a press conference.
The party will resign from all government positions it holds, including one state exco, two deputy excos, one deputy speaker, as well as all village heads and local councillors appointed under the state administration.
Those stepping down include state exco Allex Seah, deputy excos Low Chee Leong and Leng Chau Yen, as well as deputy speaker Kerk Chee Yee.
Khoo said that the move had been discussed with Malacca Pakatan Harapan chief and Amanah’s Bukit Katil assemblyperson Adly Zahari, whom he said had also agreed with the move. He added that DAP’s headquarters is also aware.
Among those who supported the amendment in the state assembly was the state’s opposition leader and Bemban assemblyperson, Bersatu’s Yadzil Yaakub.
Only three state assemblypersons took part in the debate: Yadzil, Umno’s Rim assemblyperson Khaidhirah Abu Zahar, and MCA’s Kelebang assemblyperson Lim Bang Hong.
From left: DAP lawmakers Leng Chau Yen, Allex Seah, Khoo Poay Tiong, Kerk Chee Yee and Low Chee Leong
Despite his attempts to interject and voice his objections to the amendment, Kerk, DAP’s Ayer Keroh assemblyperson, was rebuffed.
What about Akmal?
When asked if the mass resignation had been approved by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Harapan chairperson, Khoo said: “Let us handle matters relating to the state government. The prime minister has other things to manage.”
He also sidestepped questions on how DAP’s move today will impact the Malacca state election.
Khoo also took a swipe at Merlimau Umno assemblyperson Dr Akmal Saleh, asking when the Umno Youth chief would fulfil his long-ago promise to quit the state government.
Dr Akmal Saleh
“So, my last statement: when is Akmal going to resign?” he asked.
Rauf: DAP’s exit no effect on state govt
In a separate press conference, Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh assured that the state administration will not be affected by DAP’s exit.
Utusan Malaysia reported him as saying that BN did not have to rely on any parties to form the state government after the 2021 Malacca state election.
He said BN had obtained a sufficient mandate to govern the state on its own, and that the cooperation established with parties in the unity government was merely a manifestation of the spirit of understanding practised at the federal level.
Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh
“Actually, in the formation of the Malacca government after the last election, we did not form the government with any other party to support the formation of the administration.
“I took the approach of ensuring that the spirit of understanding that exists in Putrajaya was also translated in Malacca, without forming a government together with any party. Their position is more about complementing that spirit of unity,” he reportedly said.
Rauf also said it is DAP’s absolute right to relinquish its state government positions, and he has no intention of preventing.
“Whatever decision is made by our DAP friends, including if they state that they do not agree with this proposal and wish to withdraw from the government, I cannot prevent their party’s decision.
“Their presence in this government is like a marriage without a kadi, and a divorce without a talaq,” he said in jest.
“Actually, in the formation of the Malacca government after the last election, we did not form the government with any other party to support the formation of the administration.
“I took the approach of ensuring that the spirit of understanding that exists in Putrajaya was also translated in Malacca, without forming a government together with any party. Their position is more about complementing that spirit of unity,” he reportedly said.
Rauf also said it is DAP’s absolute right to relinquish its state government positions, and he has no intention of preventing.
“Whatever decision is made by our DAP friends, including if they state that they do not agree with this proposal and wish to withdraw from the government, I cannot prevent their party’s decision.
“Their presence in this government is like a marriage without a kadi, and a divorce without a talaq,” he said in jest.
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