Bersih, Engage, Projek Sama, Tindak, and Rise of Social Efforts (ROSE) said they oppose Loke’s plan to hold federal and state elections in Peninsular Malaysia at the same time to save costs.

“Simultaneous elections would centralise federal power and revive the old Barisan Nasional-era practice of the prime minister deciding when state assemblies dissolve,” they said in a joint statement today.

“Only the prime minister can dissolve Parliament while state assemblies are dissolved by their respective chief ministers.

“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim does not control states like Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor, Melaka, Pahang and Perak.

“Chief ministers must not be forced to dissolve (state assemblies) early.”

The groups also said that holding elections together risk turning state polls into a national vote on the federal government, overshadowing local issues and reducing checks and balances.

They said separate elections better reflect different political moods and encourage cooperation between parties.

On Sept 21, Loke suggested holding state elections in the 11 Peninsular Malaysia states together with the 16th general election, citing cost savings and alignment of terms. He noted that this had been common until 2021-2022.

During the 15th general election, only Perlis, Perak and Pahang held elections alongside Parliament, while six other states – Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah – delayed theirs to August 2023 because of floods.

EC data showed that GE15 cost RM725 million, while the six separate state elections cost RM420 million.

Loke said he had yet to discuss the proposal with other Pakatan Harapan components, but added that DAP is ready if GE16 is called before the current parliamentary term ends in December 2027.