The Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) continues to recognise the official positions of its two DAP-affiliated councillors despite the party's dramatic departure from the state government, Mayor Datuk Shadan Othman confirmed on Wednesday. Speaking after the council's 2026 Customer Day event, the mayor indicated that the appointments remain legally binding and operational until formal resignation documents are submitted through proper channels.
Datuk Shadan's statement comes in the immediate aftermath of the Melaka DAP's unexpected announcement that it would withdraw its support from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh's administration. The party's decision followed the passage of the Melaka State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the state assembly, a measure that permits the appointment of seven unelected state assemblymen to the legislature. This constitutional change triggered significant political friction, with the DAP positioning itself in opposition to what it characterised as an anti-democratic move.
During a press conference led by Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong, party officials signalled their intention to recall all appointed councillors from local authorities across the state. Four DAP state assemblymen—Allex Seah Shoo Chin from Kesidang, Kerk Chee Yee from Ayer Keroh, Low Chee Leong from Kota Laksamana, and Leng Chau Yen from Banda Hilir—stood alongside Khoo as the announcement was made, underscoring the party's unified stance against the constitutional amendment and the government's direction.
Yet the mayor drew a careful distinction between political posturing and administrative formality. In his remarks to journalists, Datuk Shadan emphasised that political decisions and council management operate within separate institutional frameworks. He suggested the council would process any resignations on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether individual councillors formally submit their withdrawal requests. This procedural stance reflects the reality that local government bodies must maintain clear documentation of personnel changes and cannot unilaterally revoke appointments without receiving explicit notification from the appointees themselves.
The ambiguity surrounding the two DAP councillors' actual status highlights an inherent tension in Malaysian local government structures, where partisan political movements can shift rapidly but administrative personnel changes require deliberate bureaucratic action. The MBMB's position—essentially waiting for individual councillors to act independently rather than accepting a blanket party directive—underscores how political coalitions and institutional frameworks do not always align seamlessly.
For Malaysian observers, this situation illustrates broader challenges facing multi-party state governments navigating coalition politics. The Melaka DAP's withdrawal represents a significant realignment, particularly given that the party had previously held council positions as part of a collaborative arrangement with the Barisan Nasional-led state administration. The constitutional amendment permitting unelected representatives to enter the state assembly struck the DAP as a fundamental breach of democratic principles, prompting what appears to be a clean break from the government.
The Melaka State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 itself merits scrutiny, as it introduces appointed representatives into an elected legislative chamber—a practice that contradicts the principle of democratic accountability. The DAP's opposition to this mechanism reflects concerns shared by various civil society groups across Southeast Asia about the proliferation of unelected positions in democratic institutions. By withdrawing support, the party signalled that it cannot credibly support a government pursuing what it views as institutional erosion.
The situation also carries implications for local governance in Melaka specifically. If the DAP councillors do eventually resign following their party's withdrawal announcement, the MBMB will need to address the vacancies and the political balance within the council. How the council replaces such positions—whether through fresh appointments, election mechanisms, or by absorbing the responsibilities across existing members—will depend on local government regulations and the council's internal procedures.
Meanwhile, the timing of all these developments suggests ongoing volatility in Melaka's political landscape. The state has experienced multiple coalition shifts in recent years, and the constitutional amendment controversy may represent yet another inflection point. For residents and businesses depending on local council services, such political turbulence creates uncertainty about governance continuity and administrative priorities.
Datuk Shadan's measured response also signals that the MBMB intends to maintain institutional stability and avoid being drawn into the broader political dispute. By insisting on formal procedures rather than accepting political directives, the mayor is attempting to preserve the council's functional independence and credibility as a service-delivery organisation. This institutional approach, while perhaps frustrating to partisan actors, serves the longer-term interests of stable local governance.
Looking forward, the resolution of this matter will depend on the individual DAP councillors themselves. Whether they choose to resign in solidarity with their party's withdrawal or opt to remain in their positions—potentially creating internal party tension—will reveal much about the dynamics between party discipline and personal political calculation. The coming days will likely clarify their intentions and the MBMB's next steps in managing any transitions.
