Four Melaka Democratic Action Party (DAP) assemblymen withdrew their support for the Barisan Nasional-led state government and resigned from all state government positions following a constitutional amendment allowing appointed (nominated) assemblymen, a move they opposed as undemocratic [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
The four DAP assemblymen are Allex Seah Shoo Chin (Kesidang), Low Chee Leong (Kota Laksamana), Leng Chau Yen (Banda Hilir), and Kerk Chee Yee (Ayer Keroh) [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 6]. DAP Melaka chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said their decision was "in line with the party's stand in opposing the bill, which it claimed was contrary to the principles of democracy and elections" [2].
DAP Melaka held a press conference on July 14 or 15, 2026, to announce the withdrawal and resignation from government posts [1, 4, 6]. On July 15, their seats were physically moved to the opposition bloc in the Melaka State Legislative Assembly during the assembly sitting [2]. The constitutional amendment passed despite the four assemblymen's votes against it, which became part of the official assembly record [2, 6].
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the government administration and services would continue as usual despite DAP's withdrawal. He added, "The administration, development, and delivery of services to the people would not be affected following that decision. We may no longer be together in the state government administration, but we do not need to become enemies in our efforts to defend the interests of the people of Melaka" [3]. Vacant exco positions left by DAP members will be temporarily handled by existing members [3].
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged Melaka DAP to postpone their withdrawal to focus on development and welfare, but the party finalized their resignation immediately after the press conference, closing further negotiations [2, 3, 5, 6]. DAP Central Executive Committee endorsed Melaka DAP's decision, stressing the principle that an executive councillor voting against government motions should resign from government posts. Secretary-General Anthony Loke stated, "It is settled, it is inappropriate for the four assemblymen to walk back" [6].
Meanwhile, Amanah assemblyman Adly Zahari (Bukit Katil), Melaka Pakatan Harapan chairman, remains supportive of the state government and continues to sit with the government bloc despite DAP's exit. He said, "Every party in PH has its own right to act. However, when acting in the name of PH, we will discuss it through consensus" [2, 3, 5]. Pakatan Harapan Melaka is holding further discussions to determine the coalition's position after DAP's withdrawal [5].
The DAP assemblymen resigned from government posts but retained their assembly seats, so no by-election is expected to be triggered by the resignations [2, 3].
Parti Bersama Malaysia has scheduled a preparatory meeting for Melaka state election candidate screening on July 21, 2026 [8, 9, 10].
