State polls: Seat allocations among unity govt parties almost done, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Seat allocations for the coming state polls are almost complete among unity government component parties, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Pakatan Harapan chairman said there were only one or two seats left to decide on.

“It’s almost finalised. We will announce our candidates soon,” he told a press conference after chairing the Unity Government Leadership Consultative Council Meeting at Menara Dato’ Onn at the World Trade Centre here on Tuesday (July 11).

Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition’s candidates would be announced on July 21.

“It will be for all candidates contesting in the coming state elections,” the Deputy Prime Minister told the same press conference.

Earlier, Anwar said the meeting, which included Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, also saw leaders from both states giving their assurance towards preserving and strengthening the unity government.

This would ensure stability for economic growth and the people’s prosperity, he added.

“We will not entertain anything that derails us from the focus of strengthening the government,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to leaders in the unity government for their readiness to continue strengthening the government while avoiding those desperately harping on extreme racial and religious sentiments and their "foreshadowing" changes in the state polls.

“What I’m saying today, which represents the majority of MPs, is that we want the unity government to complete its five-year term,” he added.

Anwar also announced the dates for the coming Jelajah Madani roadshows in Kedah (July 15), Penang (July 16), Kelantan (July 23), Negri Sembilan (July 27) and Terengganu (July 28).

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said discussions were held on how all parties under the current government would be helping the election machinery.

“This is despite Sabah and Sarawak parties not participating in the polls.

“Yet, they are committed to helping our candidates on the basis of a strong bond between parties in the government,” the Umno president added.

Abang Johari also expressed the Sarawak government’s commitment towards ensuring the country’s stability.

He reiterated that the state would guarantee no transition of power that goes against the democratic principles.

“We, in Sarawak, are committed to defending the unity at the national level, so Malaysia can advance and become a competitive nation,” he said.

Hajiji also agreed that stability and prosperity are crucial for the country’s future.

“I have stressed our commitment towards the unity government led by Anwar.

“God willing, Sabah will also come on the ground to help the government’s machinery in states facing the polls,” he added.

The meeting comes ahead of the state polls for Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

The six states will hold their polls simultaneously on Aug 12, with early polling on Aug 8. Nomination falls on July 29.