{
  "id": 19624771,
  "title": "Melaka polls: Pakatan pledges to abolish seven appointed assemblymen seats if elected",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/melaka-polls-pakatan-pledges-to-abolish-seven-appointed-assemblymen",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-12T08:39:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/12/melaka-polls-pakatan-pledges-to-abolish-seven-appointed-assemblymen-seats-if-elected/242987"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MELAKA — The Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition has announced its intention to revoke a provision that permits the appointment of seven appointed Melaka state assembly members, should it secure victory in the upcoming 16th Melaka election. Adly Zahari, the chairman of PH in Melaka, revealed that the funds resulting from this abolition would be allocated to homeownership assistance for young individuals and initiatives aimed at fostering young entrepreneurship. This proposal forms part of PH's Aspirasi Melaka Rumah Kita manifesto, which prioritizes addressing the needs of residents, especially the younger demographic.\n\nThe appointed assembly members' provision was enacted by the State Legislative Assembly under the previous Barisan Nasional government. Adly informed the media that if the people of Melaka entrust PH with the mandate, the coalition would abolish these seven appointed seats. He also announced PH's plan to reopen the Chief Minister's official residence at Seri Bendahara to host regular meet-the-people sessions, a practice initiated during PH's administration in 2018. These sessions enabled residents to directly communicate with state leaders and seek resolutions to their concerns. Adly highlighted that these weekly engagements, held on Fridays, often led to issues that could be resolved through direct interaction between constituents and state authorities.\n\nAdly, who is also PH's candidate for the Bukit Katil state seat, implored voters to support the coalition's candidates in the state elections for the 24 contested seats. He emphasized PH's commitment to serving the electorate, addressing local concerns, and implementing the election promises. He urged the public to exercise their trust in PH to serve in the Melaka State Assembly, promising to prove their capabilities through constituency work, legislative actions, and policies that fulfill their campaign pledges. Adly also reminded Melaka voters living outside the state to plan their travel arrangements ahead of the polls, scheduled for Saturday, and to cast their votes early in the morning to avoid the afternoon rains. For the latest updates on the state elections, readers are directed to https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/.",
  "summary": "MELAKA, Nov 12 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) has pledged to repeal the state legislation allowing the appointment of seve...",
  "key_points": [
    "Pakatan Harapan pledges to abolish seven appointed Melaka assemblymen seats if elected.",
    "Funds from abolition to be used for homeownership assistance and young entrepreneurship.",
    "PH plans to reopen Chief Minister's residence for regular meet-the-people sessions."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Redirecting funds from appointed assembly seats toward youth housing and entrepreneurship signals a strategic shift to prioritize the economic interests of younger voters over existing legislative structures.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "PH turns to social media blitz in final push for Melaka polls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/ph-turns-to-social-media-blitz-in-final-push-for-melaka-polls",
        "published": "2026-11-12T05:40:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "PH steps up social media campaign in final stretch of Melaka polls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/ph-steps-up-social-media-campaign-in-final-stretch-of-melaka-polls",
        "published": "2026-11-12T07:01:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}