MELAKA: A "new deal" has been unveiled by Melaka Chief Minister, aiming to transform the political and social well-being of locals that goes beyond race, religion and other observable differences.

       Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali (Umno-Lendu) told the state assembly on Tuesday (Sept 21) that the transformation plan is being offered to Opposition lawmakers to turn Melaka into a more prosperous, stable and harmonious state.

       He said that the new deal, known as Transformation of Political and Administrative Prosperity (TS35), is also to unite Melakans as one big family.

       "The transformation plan scales up development, economic revival and to ensure the well-being of the locals," he added.

       Sulaiman also said it was the right time for lawmakers from both the political divide to put aside their differences and look into assisting those impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Among the initiatives offered were allocations of RM50,000 for each state constituency in form of food kits; raising the annual emoluments of service centres for each state constituencies from RM42,000 to RM60,000; inviting Opposition assemblymen to be part of the state Covid-19 Management and Rehabilitation Council as well as state Economic Development Council, among others.

       The state has 28 constituencies, with 17 assemblymen part of the ruling state government.

       Sulaiman also announced that the state would be entering into the Third Phase of the National Recovery Plan by mid-October.

       He said 77% or 521,888 locals have received their second vaccination dose up to Sept 18.

       Sulaiman also told the assembly that Melaka recorded 24 Delta and seven Beta variants-of-concern (VOC) Covid-19 cases as of Sept 18.