Melaka State Assemblyman Defects to Opposition Bloc
The Melaka State Assembly Speaker, Datuk Ibrahim Durum, has announced that Rembia state assemblyman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis has been moved to the opposition bloc. This decision was made after reviewing several matters concerning Muhammad Jailani’s membership in PAS, following PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s announcement at a press conference in Parliament on July 16.
Background
Muhammad Jailani, representing Barisan Nasional, won the Rembia seat with a majority of 860 votes in a five-cornered contest during the 2021 Melaka state election. However, in July last year, UMNO suspended his membership for six years for allegedly sabotaging the party by attending the announcement of the Perikatan Nasional candidate for the Simpang Jeram by-election in Bakri, Johor.
Reasons for Defection
Ibrahim Durum explained that he had sent a letter to Takiyuddin seeking confirmation on the matter but had not received any response. He stated that the assemblyman’s admission was vague, merely claiming he is a PAS member, and that is the only evidence he has (to make a decision).
Impact on Government
With this latest development, the number of assemblymen supporting the government now stands at 25, while the opposition has three. This shift in allegiance is likely to have a significant impact on the balance of power in the Melaka State Assembly.
Conclusion
The defection of Muhammad Jailani to the opposition bloc is a significant development in the Melaka State Assembly. The move is likely to have far-reaching implications for the government’s majority and the balance of power in the assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Muhammad Jailani defect to the opposition bloc?
A: Muhammad Jailani’s membership in PAS was reviewed following PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s announcement at a press conference in Parliament on July 16.
Q: What was the reason for UMNO’s suspension of Muhammad Jailani’s membership?
A: UMNO suspended Muhammad Jailani’s membership for six years for allegedly sabotaging the party by attending the announcement of the Perikatan Nasional candidate for the Simpang Jeram by-election in Bakri, Johor.
Q: What is the impact of this defection on the government’s majority?
A: The defection of Muhammad Jailani to the opposition bloc reduces the government’s majority in the Melaka State Assembly to 25 assemblymen, while the opposition now has three assemblymen.