Melaka heads to 16th state election as state assembly dissolved

After the dissolution of the Melaka state assembly, which takes effect the following day, the state will hold its 16th election. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced the dissolution earlier today. The assembly has 28 seats, and the current government's term ends on December 27. In the last election in November 2021, Barisan Nasional secured 21 seats, Pakatan Harapan won five, and Perikatan Nasional claimed two.

However, PN assemblymen were also part of the executive council, mirroring the federal unity government's makeup. On July 16, five PH assemblymen resigned from the state government after rejecting a proposed amendment to the Melaka State Constitution, which would have created appointed assemblyman positions. So far, no coalition has formally announced cooperation for the upcoming election.

However, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan suggested political cooperation between BN and PN was almost certain. Rauf, the BN chairman, stated that the coalition would send letters to political parties with their strategic cooperation proposals. PH election director Amirudin Shari mentioned that cooperation between PH and Bersatu was still pending, depending on state-level discussions.

PH also expressed no issue with BN's cooperation stance, urging the coalition to clarify its position for PH's preparations.