T’ganu yet to announce assembly dissolution

PETALING JAYA: Terengganu is the only state that has yet to announce the dissolution of its assembly, but this will not delay the holding of simultaneous polls in all six states.

This is because its state assembly will automatically dissolve on June 30, which means that either way, Terengganu would have to go to the ballot box.

Selangor’s state assembly term ends next Monday, followed by Kelantan on June 28, Negri Sembilan (July 2), Kedah (July 4) and Penang (August 2).

Holding the state polls simultaneously would not be an issue, said observers.

“Not only have the states agreed on this, but the terms of the state assemblies will expire anyway.

“It is not that they have much choice,” said a political observer.

While the five states have already announced their dissolution dates, they have yet to officially inform the Election Commission (EC).

“Notices will be sent (to the EC) only after the assemblies have been officially dissolved,” said an EC official.

With a tight deadline, political leaders in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu would have to iron out their disputes – especially on seat allocations – as soon as possible.

The situation is said to be slightly different in Penang.

Sources claimed that so far, talks over seats between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional in Penang are proceeding as planned.

“Discussions were easier in Penang due to the majority of DAP seats which negated demands for more seats from Barisan counterparts,” said a source with knowledge of the seat negotiations.