Melaka Assembly approves constitutional amendment to allow appointment of up to seven nominated assemblymen
MELAKA: The Melaka State Legislative Assembly has approved a constitutional amendment that will enable the appointment of up to seven nominated state assemblymen, a move the state government says will broaden expertise in policymaking and strengthen legislative deliberations.
The Melaka State Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed on Tuesday after receiving the support of 23 assemblymen, while five members voted against the proposal.
The Bill was tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and seconded by Senior State Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Datuk Rais Yasin.
Ab Rauf said the amendment is intended to enhance the effectiveness of the State Legislative Assembly by allowing distinguished individuals with specialised knowledge and professional experience to contribute directly to legislative proceedings, even if they are not elected through the electoral process.
He said the appointments would enable experts from sectors including law, economics, education, investment, technology and state development to participate in policy formulation, legislative debates and discussions on issues affecting Melaka’s long-term development.
According to him, the new provision would also create greater opportunities for groups that are traditionally underrepresented in elected institutions, including women, young people, the Orang Asli community, minority groups, professionals and industry representatives.
He said their inclusion would enrich legislative discussions by bringing broader perspectives and practical expertise that could benefit the state’s policymaking process.
Ab Rauf added that the appointment of nominated assemblymen would further strengthen the quality of debate within the State Assembly while enhancing the system of checks and balances through more objective and technically informed scrutiny of proposed legislation, government policies and administrative matters.
The Bill was debated by three assemblymen, comprising two representatives from the government bloc and one from the opposition, before it was approved.
During the debate, Melaka Opposition Leader Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub expressed support for the amendment, saying the mechanism could strengthen the state’s legislative institution if implemented transparently and in the best interests of the people.
He emphasised that the appointment process should prioritise individuals with proven expertise, integrity and the ability to make meaningful contributions to public policy.
Drawing comparisons with the appointment of senators to the Dewan Negara at the federal level, Mohd Yadzil said professionals and individuals with extensive experience have long played an important role in enriching parliamentary debates and strengthening the legislative process.
The constitutional amendment fulfils one of Barisan Nasional’s commitments under its 2021 Melaka state election manifesto, specifically under the pillar of Political Stability, which pledged to promote more mature and inclusive governance through institutional reforms.
With the amendment now approved, the state government will be empowered to appoint up to seven nominated assemblymen, subject to the constitutional provisions governing their selection and appointment.
