Melaka heads for polls as CM Rauf Yusoh confirms assembly set for dissolution tomorrow

KEROH: The Seri Negeri Complex is anticipating significant media attention as there are mounting rumors that the Melaka legislative assembly will be dissolved today, potentially leading to a state election. According to sources, the letter authorizing the dissolution of the state assembly is reported to have already been signed, with an official announcement anticipated this afternoon.

An exco meeting will follow, chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, and a subsequent press conference is planned afterwards. Invitation letters were reportedly sent yesterday to all Barisan Nasional assemblymen, urging their attendance at Seri Negeri at 2.30pm today. The sudden shift in the exco meeting's schedule, originally planned for Wednesday, has sparked speculation, which is believed to be connected to the need to resolve various state government administrative issues prior to the dissolution of the legislative assembly.

There have also been reports suggesting that the dissolution letter had been signed by Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam before his departure for Japan, although this has not been confirmed. The Chief Minister's Office has previously refuted claims that Rauf had signed the letter of dissolution alongside Ali, stating that the dissolution date had not yet been determined.

Furthermore, several state government administrative matters were highlighted as needing to be cleared first to ensure a smooth dissolution process. The Melaka assembly comprises 28 seats, with the state government's mandate concluding in December. In the most recent state election, the Barisan Nasional secured 21 seats, Pakatan Harapan garnered five, and Perikatan Nasional claimed two.