GE15 is on even if states stay out, says Ismail Sabri

JASIN: The 15th General Election (GE15) will go on as planned even if several states refuse to dissolve their legislative assemblies.

This was because every state had the right to decide when to dissolve its assembly, caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

“I strongly suggest and recommend that it (dissolution of state assembly and Parliament) is made simultaneously, but six states have made their decision (not to follow suit).

“Despite this, GE15 will still proceed,” he told reporters after opening the Chin Chin 3 Compact Water Treatment Plant here yesterday, Bernama reported.

Yesterday, PAS announced that it would not seek dissolution in the states it controls – Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah – although Parliament was dissolved on Monday.

The three Pakatan Harapan states – Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan – are also likely to stay out, although Penang is considering dissolution

Ismail Sabri said holding the GE15 and state elections separately would only cause inconvenience to the people who will have to come out twice to cast their votes, and would definitely incur higher costs for the Election Commission.

On PAS’ decision to strengthen cooperation within Perikatan Nasional, Ismail Sabri, who is also Umno vice-president, said it was expected.