Melaka:Two leaders from the Melaka Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition have initiated legal action against a recent amendment to the state constitution regarding the appointment of assemblymen.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the lawsuit was filed by Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong, who is acting as a registered voter in Melaka, alongside Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari, the Bukit Katil assemblyman. The Melaka state government has been named as the defendant in this case. The writ was delivered to both the Melaka State Secretary's Office and the State Legal Adviser's Office at Kompleks Seri Negeri.

The legal challenge, lodged at the Melaka High Court on October 8, contests the constitutionality of the amendment, which was gazetted on August 27. Khoo claims the amendment conflicts with Article 71(4) of the Federal Constitution, alongside Section 4(1) of Part I of the Eighth Schedule, rendering it null and void.

Khoo is seeking a court declaration that the amendment infringes upon the fundamental structure of both the Melaka State Constitution and the Federal Constitution. He argues that the amendment, which permits the Chief Minister to appoint and revoke assemblymen, violates democratic principles by allowing non-elected assemblymen, thereby undermining voters' rights.

The amendment was passed by the Melaka State Legislative Assembly on July 14, permitting the appointment of up to seven assemblymen, with 23 assemblymen supporting the bill and five opposing it.