BATU BERENDAM: Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has proposed allocating seven appointed state assembly seats based on popular vote as part of six governance reform initiatives in its manifesto for the 16th Melaka election.
Bersama leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said the seven seats would be distributed proportionately according to the percentage of popular votes secured by parties contesting the election, rather than being monopolised by the party forming the state government.
“The additional assemblymen will be appointed automatically based on the percentage of votes secured by the respective parties in the state election.
“This approach is aimed at ensuring that every vote receives fair representation, including for parties that secure substantial voter support but fail to win many state seats,” he said at a press conference to launch Bersama’s election manifesto.
Rafizi said the proposal would also address shortcomings in the existing electoral system, which often favoured major parties and allowed them to dominate the state assembly despite relatively narrow differences in the popular vote.
“For the first time in our country’s history, we believe this is an opportunity to improve the existing electoral system.
“This will protect the rights of voters and ensure fairness for all parties contesting the election,” he said.
On other initiatives, Rafizi said Bersama was targeting a five per cent increase in state government revenue against a three per cent rise in expenditure by 2030 to strengthen Melaka’s financial sustainability.
He said the party also proposed appointing independent procurement tender board members from among professionals to oversee all state government tenders exceeding RM10 million.
“Bersama is also proposing the rationalisation of state government agencies and subsidiaries through the restructuring of statutory bodies and government-linked companies.
“This is to reduce the total number of statutory bodies and subsidiaries to no more than 30.
“Two other initiatives include providing equal allocations to opposition assemblymen and requiring all elected representatives to hold public service clinics for at least five hours every fortnight,” he said.
Rafizi said elected representatives would be required to receive public complaints openly through these clinics as a condition for receiving their allocations.
Previously, the Melaka state assembly passed the Melaka State Constitution (Amendment) Enactment Bill 2026, allowing the appointment of up to seven additional state assemblymen.
The motion, tabled by caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, received the support of 23 assemblymen, including three opposition representatives.
However, five Pakatan Harapan assemblymen, comprising four from DAP and one from Amanah, did not support the motion.
Bersama is fielding 16 candidates for the 28 state seats being contested in the 16th Melaka election.