Goh Leong San, former opposition leader in the Melaka state assembly, is now an independent assemblyman, said Speaker Datuk Othman Muhamad.

Goh, who previously represented DAP, is the assemblyman for Duyong. Goh had been suspended for one year reportedly for disparaging the party.

Othman said Ayer Keroh assemblyman Khoo Poey Tiong of the DAP was the new opposition leader while Bandar Hilir assemblyman Tey Kok Kiew was the chief whip for the opposition.

"I received a letter from DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng on this matter," he said at the opening of the first meeting of the fourth session of the 13th Melaka State Assembly at the Seri Negeri Complex here today.

The meeting was opened by Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

Media reports had mentioned a rift among DAP members in Melaka, with one side supporting the state leadership under Goh and the other supporting the central DAP leadership under Lim.