{
  "id": 13890987,
  "title": "Melaka PH leaders sue to challenge constitutionality of appointed assemblymen",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/melaka-ph-leaders-sue-to-challenge-constitutionality-of-appointed",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T06:06:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/10/1553656/melaka-ph-leaders-sue-challenge-constitutionality-appointed"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two leaders of Malaysia's Pakatan Harapan (PH) party in Melaka have taken legal action against the state government, disputing the constitutionality of a recent amendment that permits the appointment of up to seven non-elected assemblymen. Khoo Poay Tiong, the Kota Melaka MP and registered voter, and Adly Zahari, the PH chairman and Bukit Katil assemblyman, filed the lawsuit in the Melaka High Court. The government is identified as the defendant in the case. The writ of summons was delivered to the relevant offices in the state capital.\n\nThe amendment, enacted on August 27, is reportedly unconstitutional, as it breaches Article 71(4) of the Federal Constitution, according to Khoo. He also seeks a declaration that the amendment violates the fundamental structure of the Melaka State Constitution and should be declared invalid under the state constitution. Furthermore, Khoo claims that the amendment infringes upon voters' democratic rights by allowing the Chief Minister to appoint assemblymen without an election, with the power to revoke the appointment at any time thereafter. This, he argues, undermines the people's rights and the democratic process in Melaka.",
  "summary": "MELAKA: Two Melaka Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders have filed a lawsuit against the Melaka government, challenging the constitutionality of a state enactment allowing the appointment of up to seven non-elected assemblymen.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pakatan Harapan leaders in Melaka sue government over appointed assemblymen.",
    "Amendment permits up to seven non-elected assemblymen, claims Khoo Poay Tiong.",
    "Challenges constitutionality, democratic rights, and state constitution."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}