BUTTERWORTH – Although there were informal discussions to hold state elections for Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan in May or June, the final say lies with the Pakatan Harapan federal leadership.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said there were informal talks on the dates that took into consideration the festive season and even looking at calling for elections when the term ends.
He added that the state elections are best held after the school holidays, after the end of the Chinese New Year or Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
He said this in a press conference after officiating Mattel (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd’s 40th anniversary celebrations here.
On reports that PAS-controlled states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu were eager to call for polls soon, Chow said it is up to the PH leadership to decide on the states it governs.
PH’s Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan and the PAS states did not hold their state elections simultaneously with the 15th general election on November 19.
Former Election Commission deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar suggested that they hold their elections concurrently in July, adding that Muslims would have returned home from their pilgrimage, and that this will ensure greater voter turnout.
He added that he hoped the states would find ways to work together, as they could cut down on additional costs of holding separate state elections. – The Vibes, December 6, 2022
