Unity govt parties have started seat talks for state elections: Zahid

PUTRAJAYA – Discussion on seat distributions with parties under the unity government for the coming polls in six states has begun but yet to be finalised, said Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 

Speaking at a press conference after visiting the Orang Asli Development Department here today, Zahid – who is also deputy prime minister – said the preparations of the six states towards the elections will also be discussed in the unity government secretariat meeting.

The six states that will hold polls this year are Negri Sembilan, Penang, Selangor, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Kedah.

“And we will establish cooperation between the existing political parties, but BN candidates will continue to use the BN symbol in the election in these six states,” he said, commenting on media reports about the six states agreeing to consider the dissolution of their respective assemblies in the last two weeks of June to make way for the elections.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari in a statement on his Facebook page yesterday said that the agreement was reached during an afternoon tea session in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the 261st Conference of Rulers meeting, which convened for two days starting yesterday.

Amirudin said the understanding will be discussed at the respective party level before being presented for the approval of the heads of state of the six states.

In the same message, Amirudin also shared a photo of him together with Negri Sembilan Chief Minister Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob.

Meanwhile, Sanusi said he believes the most suitable date for the dissolutions is the third or fourth week of June.

Chow said in a Facebook post: “As for the date of the state election, it is the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission to make a decision.” – Bernama, February 23, 2023