Pakatan Harapan pledges to repeal Melaka nominated assemblymen law

Pakatan Harapan said it would move to repeal the Melaka state assembly amendment that allows for the appointment of up to seven unelected representatives, should the coalition win control of the state in future elections.

The pledge comes after PH's withdrawal from the Melaka state government in July, triggered by the assembly's approval of the amendment permitting nominated assemblymen. The opposition had characterized the move as undermining democratic principles and reducing the voice of voters in state governance.

The amendment represented a significant departure from traditional legislative practices in Malaysia, where state assembly representatives are typically elected directly by constituents. Proponents of the amendment argued it would enhance representation and administrative efficiency, while critics viewed it as a mechanism to strengthen the ruling government's position without electoral mandate.

PH's commitment to repeal the law reflects growing public concern over the amendment among voters and civil society groups. The coalition has positioned itself as a defender of democratic norms and electoral integrity in the lead-up to potential state-level political developments in Melaka.

The controversy has underscored ongoing tensions within Malaysian politics over the balance between appointed and elected representation at state levels, with questions persisting about whether similar measures might be adopted elsewhere.