Election dates between May and July would be preferred, said the state coalition’s chairman, Chow Kon Yeow, who called for clarity on the timing of state elections.
“There should not be a guessing game. Instead, the possible date for the dissolution of the state assembly should be decided and announced earlier than usual.
“By doing so, everybody can prepare for the election and even the political parties and candidates can prepare with much more certainty,” he told Bernama.
“Certainty in the election date will also help stabilise the political environment,” he said after distributing mandarin oranges today for Chinese New Year celebrations.
The term of state assemblies in Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will expire in the middle of the year and elections must be held within 60 days of expiry if not held earlier.
Chow said Penang PH held a meeting yesterday to discuss the timing of the state elections, and possible cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN).
“The meeting also decided that we would prefer the election to be held in the middle of the year – May, June or July. But this is subject to the bigger consideration by central PH,” said Chow.
On cooperation with BN in the elections, Chow, who is also Penang DAP chairman, said the state PH was waiting for a directive from national PH leaders.
He said Perikatan Nasional’s good showing in the general election in November had caused concern among other political parties, as the Malay electorate had generally rejected Umno and switched their votes to PN instead of PH.
“This is an issue for all political parties to take into consideration on their election strategy this year,” he said.
The performance of the federal unity government in its first six months would have a bearing on the outcome of the state elections, he said.
Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim has formed a government supported by BN, the ruling coalitions in Sabah and Sarawak, and other parties. The opposition comprises MPs from Perikatan Nasional, composed largely of Bersatu and PAS.