Penang CM: Gap between federal, state terms makes concurrent polls difficult

BUTTERWORTH: Efforts to synchronise national and state elections are becoming increasingly difficult due to disruptions in electoral cycles and widening gaps between federal and state government mandates, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said election timelines had already been thrown out of alignment during the previous electoral cycle, making the prospect of holding simultaneous elections across the country increasingly impractical.

The DAP central executive committee member said the gap between the terms of some state administrations and the federal government was now too wide to facilitate concurrent polls.

“It is now very difficult to synchronise national and state elections because the election calendars have already been disrupted. The timelines between some states and the federal government are simply too far apart.

“Unless all states agree to do so, it would also be unfair to the constituents. For example, Penang still has about two-and-a-half years left in its current term. Dissolving the state legislative assembly prematurely would mean cutting short the mandate given by the people,” he told reporters here.

Chow was responding to questions on the dissolution of the Johor state assembly, a move that clears the way for the state’s 16th election.

Asked whether Penang would consider a similar move, Chow said the state government would refer to the party’s central leadership on the matter.

He said there were many issues that stand in the way of holding concurrent national and state elections.

“We will abide by the decision of the party leadership.

“As usual, we will deploy our election machinery and workers to Johor to assist in any way possible and support Pakatan Harapan during the election campaign.

“We are also monitoring developments in other states and are waiting to see if any state decides to call for a snap election. We will make the necessary decisions when the time comes,” he added.

He said Penang remained focused on fulfilling its current mandate, noting that any decision on an early dissolution would need to take into account the interests of voters and broader political considerations.

Yesterday, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution of its state assembly, paving the way for the next state election to be held within 60 days.

He said this followed an audience with Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who consented to the dissolution.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times