The Melaka Umno chief said if the two assemblymen agree to join his administration, Melaka will create history as the first state with “zero” opposition.

He made the comments when he named 10 deputy exco members last night, Bernama reported.

Of the 10, eight are from Barisan Nasional, and the remaining two from Pakatan Harapan.

Eight are new faces, while two had served under the previous administration headed by Sulaiman Ali.

The eight deputy executive councillors from BN are:

• Khaidhirah Abu Zahar (Rim) – economic planning, finance, land affairs, NGOs, investment, industry and development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
• Zulkiflee Zin (Taboh Naning) – housing, local government, drainage, climate change and disaster management.
• Zaidi Attan (Serkam) – tourism, heritage, art and culture.
• Noor Helmy Abdul Halim (Duyong) – science, technology, innovation and digital communication.
• Siti Faizah Abdul Azis (Sungai Rambai) – health, human resources and unity.
• Zahari Abd Khalil (Durian Tunggal) – infrastructure, public facilities and transport.
• Rosli Abdullah (Kuala Linggi) – education, higher education and religious affairs.
• Tuminah Kadi @ Mohd Hashim (Pantai Kundor) – cooperatives, entrepreneur development and consumer affairs.

The two deputy executive councillors from PH are:

• Leng Chau Yen (Bandar Hilir) – women, family and community development.
• Low Chee Leong (Kota Laksamana) – rural development, agriculture and food security.

Rauf said he had not decided on who would be the deputy for the youth, sports and NGOs portfolio.

“We are still waiting for the decision of those whom we contacted,” he said.

He also said a deputy speaker would be named later to replace Khaidhirah.

Melaka has 28 state seats, with BN holding 21, PH five, and PN two.