Melaka political crisis 'self-inflicted' - Analysts

Factions within Melaka UMNO and the failure of the party national leadership to check infighting inevitably weakened UMNO's grip on the state administration, they opined.

Universiti Putra Malaysia political scientist Prof Dr Jayum Anak Jawan described the ongoing crisis as a deep-rooted family feud by party members bent on toppling Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali and also those eyeing his seat.

He said the crisis also showed that the national party leadership was losing its grip and no more capable of handling internal issues or its 'family members' as issues within Barisan Nasional itself have shown there are problems in the party.

Earlier today, four Melaka assemblymen, namely Datuk Seri Idris Haron (BN-Sungai Udang), Datuk Nor Azman Hassan (BN-Pantai Kundor), Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Independent-Pengkalan Batu) and Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad (Bersatu-Telok Mas) declared that they had lost confidence in Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali's leadership.

Geostrategist Dr Azmi Hassan, meanwhile, questioned the move by the four assemblymen, especially the ones from UMNO, saying that internal issues could always be brought to the discussion table.

He said sentiments from the ground showed that the people wanted political stability, and this was a key reason why the Memorandum of Understanding on Transformation and Political Stability was signed between the Federal government and Pakatan Harapan on Sept 13.

"Why is it then not possible to have some tolerance? It is hard for the people to accept this crisis as the ones involved all come from the same party," he said.

He said two scenarios could now arise; the possibility of state elections or the appointment of a new Chief Minister without having to go to the ballot box.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM) Faculty of Communication and Media Studies' Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies (CMIWS) Director Prof Datuk Dr Ismail Sualman said the four assemblymen's actions disrespected the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah's decree for politicians to focus on the fight against COVID-19 and to reduce the country's political temperature.

"Regardless of the reasons given, it is unreasonable. At a time we are so close to containing the COVID-19 crisis, we can't seem to overcome this endless 'political pandemic'".

"If there are dissatisfactions, it is better to negotiate because any change of leadership will jeapordise the administration and management of the state government which will ultimately hamper the state's development in which the people who elected them will lose out," he said.

Ismail said to avoid a protracted crisis that would ultimately be detrimental, the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam could play a role, including using a deliberative approach by calling on political leaders involved and emulate the steps taken by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

UiTM Political and Media Studies Analyst Associate Professor Dr Saraswathy Chinnasamy did not rule the possibility that there was internal pressure to overthrow the state administration, adding that allowing this could result in the same happening in other states as well.

"As such, UMNO (BN) needs to be united when it comes to this political crisis in Melaka. Of course, the best way is (to wait) for GE15. Divisions in the party will be an interpretation of greed for power," she said.

She also said that the elected representatives were still acting selfishly despite the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, when officiating the opening of the Dewan Rakyat, had called on politicians not to be greedy for power.

The BN-led Melaka government is represented by 17 assemblymen, comprising 14 from UMNO, two from Bersatu and one BN-friendly Independent, while the Opposition has 11 seats, namely seven from DAP, and two each from PKR and Amanah, respectively.

Following the four assemblymen's move to withdraw their support, the current government led by Sulaiman now has only 13 out of 28 state assembly seats, and technically has lost majority support to continue leading the Melaka government.

If Sulaiman, who is Lendu assemblyman, is forced to resign, Melaka will see a third Chief Minister appointed since the 14th General Election.

On March 9, 2020, Sulaiman, who is also Melaka UMNO secretary, was appointed the state's 12th Chief Minister, replacing Adly Zahari from Pakatan Harapan.