Agreement to dissolve six state assemblies at the same time remains, says Sanusi

YAN - Six states will abide to dissolving the state assembly simultaneously to facilitate state elections to be held in July.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the agreement reached during the meeting of six Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers from the Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in February remains unchanged up to this point.

He said it is risky for both parties if the state elections were not held simultaneously.

"In that meeting, that (dissolution) was what we discussed about. If given a holiday at the same time, they can all return to vote and that is what is best. I believe there is still that understanding.

"No one made any plans (other than that). I'm not sure if PH suddenly changed their mind. We (PN) still want the same election date in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu," he said in a press conference after launching Kedah PN election machinery in conjunction with Kedah PN Election Machinery Assembly at Guar Chempedak Public Compound on Saturday night.

Also present, PN secretary general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, Pas secretary general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, Bersatu vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee and Kedah PN top leaders.

Sanusi said the risk for each party is higher if the state elections were not held simultaneously.

"There is a risk if we don't do it simultaneously, either they will 'crush' us or we will 'crush' them. So it's better to do it together.

"There are states where the state assembly dissolves itself in June or July. Kedah's assembly dissolves on July 4 while Kelantan on June 26 and Terengganu on June 28," he said.

He said the negotiations are still applicable as long as no changes are announced.

"We haven't met (for the second time), we only met at a regular meeting, but there wasn't a specific discussion on that matter, so the first negotiation still applies," he explained.

However, the PN election director-general said it is up to the Election Commission to determine the date after each state assembly has been dissolved.

"I already knew in advance that the state assembly will be dissolved in the fourth week of June.

"Since the dates are already there, everyone can get to work. PH has also started early by using buses (for campaigns), we don't have buses, we use our own cars and traditional methods such as meetings and gatherings, in addition to increasing new media.

"Our party personnel receive no pay, no artist concerts, no free buses, no free food. Everyone came sincerely," he said while addressing 50,000 party machineries that were launched for each district involved.

In the meantime, Sanusi said Kedah remains the main attraction for both PN and PH.

"PN is ruling, PH wants to seize it. They can't seize Kelantan, Terengganu, so they are eyeing Kedah.

"But we also do not perceive their alliance as an easy one to deal with. We prepared the machinery in advance and improve the skills of PN election officers and started campaigns that are allowed," he said.

On Friday, both BN and PH expressed confidence in their ability to compete in the Malay-majority states governed by Pas, namely Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the machinery of both parties is fully prepared, with past weaknesses addressed, to confront their opponents in the state elections.

The Umno president also believes that the trend of voter support will change in the next state elections compared to the last GE15.