Speaking to FMT, Idris said this would cut red tape and ensure clearer lines of communication and command between Putrajaya and Melaka’s new state government.
The former Umno man said a key example would be the local government development ministry, which is headed by DAP’s Nga Kor Ming.
“So in the state government, the same portfolio should go to a PH leader. It can be DAP, PKR or Amanah, but it must be from PH,” he said.
“The same applies for the youth and sports ministry. It would be more effective if they (state executive councillors) are from the same party as the minister.”
Idris said that while he expected some resistance on the matter from BN assemblymen eyeing such posts, he said new Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh and his team would have to put their foot down and show some “prudent political will” to push the agenda through.
Idris said doing so would go a long way in proving that Rauf was serious about power-sharing as he was earlier accused of trying to lobby top party leaders to be named for the chief minister’s post after the state elections in November 2021.
“Now, it’s time for Rauf to display Umno’s sincerity, especially as it commands the majority of the assemblymen,” said Idris.
“This has to be done for the sake of the people and to show them that a unity government is meant to improve their welfare and the state’s politics. It should not be just forming a unity government for the sake of doing so.”
Melaka’s 28-member state legislative assembly is made up of 21 assemblymen from Barisan Nasional, five from PH and two from Perikatan Nasional.
The previous 11-member Melaka state exco was made up of nine Umno assemblymen and one each from MCA and MIC.
Yesterday, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the new Melaka government needs to reflect the composition of the unity government at the federal level, adding that discussions would be held with Rauf before any decision is made.
Rauf was sworn in as the state’s 13th chief minister on Friday after Sulaiman Ali resigned on Thursday.
Idris, who was the Melaka chief minister from 2013 to 2018, said it was important for BN assemblymen to offer to share the grassroots apparatus with the five PH assemblymen — Adly Zahari (Bukit Katil), Kerk Chee Yee (Ayer Keroh), Allex Seah (Kesidang), Low Chee Leong (Kota Laksamana) and Leng Chau Yen (Bandar Hilir).
“Only then would the people feel the change and realise there is a new state government,” said Idris.
“This is not so much to win over the public but to show them that the government is sincere in addressing their concerns. This will be fundamental in developing the state and wooing investors.”