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PORT DICKSON (July 14): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Pakatan Harapan (PH) assemblymen in Melaka to hold off on quitting the state government and instead negotiate with the state leadership first, saying disagreements should not disrupt governance or the delivery of services to the people.
Anwar said he has spoken to DAP secretary general Anthony Loke and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, expressing hope that both sides could resolve the impasse through discussions.
"I spoke to Anthony Loke and also to the chief minister. If possible, let them negotiate first. Postpone [the decision] for a while so that we can focus on state matters first," he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of Midport here on Tuesday.
"That would be the best course because although there are two or three issues we do not agree on, that's alright. Even now there are many things we don't agree on, but in terms of policies for economic growth and the people, we continue [the work]."
"So I hope they will consider [postponing the decision], to ensure that the work of the state government is not disrupted," he added.
WATCH: Anwar urges Melaka PH to defer decision
Melaka DAP announced earlier on Tuesday it is pulling out from the BN-led state government in protest against amendments to the state constitution allowing the appointment of up to seven unelected assemblymen. Amanah's Bukit Katil assemblyman Datuk Adly Zahari also announced his withdrawal.
The five PH assemblymen said they would move to the opposition bench, while those holding positions in state administration would resign.
Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the party was standing by its principles after all PH assemblymen voted against the constitutional amendment, arguing that elected representatives should be chosen by voters and not through appointments.
He also confirmed that the party's executive councillor, deputy executive councillors and deputy speaker would step down from their respective posts.
The withdrawal does not impact the Melaka administration, as Barisan Nasional holds 20 of the state's 28 assembly seats, giving it a supermajority even without PH's support.