Melaka Appointed Assemblymen Proposal Fuels UMNO-Pas Cooperation Speculation

Melaka is exploring the introduction of appointed state assemblymen (ADUN Lantikan) as a strategic move to foster cooperation between UMNO and Pas, potentially circumventing contentious electoral seat allocation negotiations. This proposal has surfaced unexpectedly, drawing support from three opposition assemblymen from Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Kerk Chee Yee, the former Deputy Speaker of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly, expressed bewilderment at the suddenness of the proposal. He recalled that the only previous instance of the opposition bloc supporting a state government motion was during the assemblymen's salary increase debate, which was clearly driven by personal interest. Kerk questioned whether the primary obstacle to UMNO-Pas collaboration in Melaka was indeed seat allocation, suggesting that appointed positions might be used as a substitute for contested seats.

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Is it possible that the only obstacle for Pas to cooperate with UMNO in Melaka is the issue of seat allocation? Are the seats Pas wants to contest replaced by appointments as appointed assemblymen, and vice versa for UMNO?

This political formula, reportedly initiated in Johor and extended to Negeri Sembilan, may now be targeting Melaka. If this speculation holds true, the proposed appointed assemblymen could serve as a political strategy to ease the realization of this UMNO-Pas alliance. Kerk likened the proposal to a political "show" or "wayang," similar to a previous incident involving Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh's resignation threat, suggesting it might be a calculated move to facilitate the UMNO-Pas partnership without the complexities of electoral seat distribution.

The move raises questions about the underlying political motivations and the potential implications for Melaka's governance and electoral landscape. The involvement of opposition members in supporting such a proposal further complicates the political dynamics within the state.

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If that is true, the proposal for appointed assemblymen in Melaka is just a political show, like Dr. Muhamad Akmal's (Saleh) show about wanting to resign earlier, purely to open the way for UMNO-Pas cooperation without having to worry about resolving the issue of electoral seat allocation.