Attention on Seri Negeri as Melaka assembly expected to be dissolved today

AYER KEROH: The Seri Negeri Complex here is expected to draw media attention amid growing speculation that the Melaka legislative assembly will be dissolved today, paving the way for a state election.

Sources said the letter for the dissolution of the state assembly is understood to have already been signed, with an official announcement expected to be made this afternoon.

A press conference on the dissolution is expected to be held after the state executive council (exco) meeting and post-exco and chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

It is understood that invitation letters were received yesterday by all Barisan Nasional assemblymen to attend Seri Negeri at 2.30pm today.

Speculation over the dissolution of the state assembly intensified after the exco meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was reportedly brought forward to today.

The change in schedule has been linked to the possibility that several state government administrative matters needed to be settled before the dissolution of the legislative assembly is finalised.

There have also been reports claiming that the letter of dissolution had been signed by Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam before he departed for Japan.

However, nothing has been verified as yet.

Previously, the Chief Minister's Office had denied claims that Rauf had signed the letter of dissolution in Ali's presence.

Rauf was also reported to have said that the date for the dissolution had yet to be set, and that several state government administrative matters needed to be resolved first to ensure the process proceeded smoothly.

The Melaka assembly has 28 seats, with the state government's mandate ending in December.

In the last state election, BN won 21 seats, Pakatan Harapan five and Perikatan Nasional two.