SHAH ALAM - The state elections battle in six states has come to an end with the announcement of results made by the Election Commission (SPR) last night.
The people of Selangor, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Penang have expressed their latent sentiments through the ballot box.
Regardless of victory or defeat, politicians are advised to remain open-minded and focussed on the process of building a more dynamic and inclusive Malaysia.
For those who attain victory in the state elections, this is not the time for politics but time to work and exert effort for the people after being entrusted with a mandate and confidence.
Winners should not disappear after their victory; instead, they must fulfill their promises by meeting the hopes of the people and in developing their respective constituencies.
The concerns of the people should be taken seriously, as electing a State Assembly Member reflects the votes entrusted to them.
Meanwhile, according to the expectations of the independent research firm, Ilham Centre, voter turnout in the state elections was lower in four states compared to the 15th General Election (PRU15).
Out-of-state voters in Terengganu, Kelantan, Penang, and Kedah indicated in the study that they were less likely to return to vote.
The report was prepared by the Ilham Centre research panel, including Executive Director Hisommudin Bakar, Chief Operations Officer Mohd Azlan Zainal, Chief Analyst Mohd Jalaluddin Hashim, Chief Researcher Associate Professor Dr Mohd Yusri Ibrahim, and Research Fellow Mujibu Abd Muis.
This state elections recorded an overall voter turnout percentage of less than 80 percent as of 4pm on polling day.
The voter turnout trend showed a decline after noon.
In this six states elections, a total of 570 candidates competed for 245 State Legislative Assembly seats.
Around 9,773,571 voters were expected to fulfill their duty as voters at 3,190 polling centers to determine which party will form the new state government.