Negri to take into account haj, festive season, for state polls

The guessing game is on again for the election dates in six states.

The 15th General Election has come to an end with the appointment of the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia.

However, six states – Negri Sembilan, Penang and Selangor, which are under Pakatan Harapan’s administration, as well as Pas-led Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah – did not dissolve their state legislative assemblies at the same time.

And now, these states have until July of next year to hold their state elections.

Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the state government would take the Haj and festive seasons into account next year when holding the state election, Bernama reported.

He said the matter would be discussed by the Pakatan Presidential Council.

“There are two possibilities: Either before the Haj season or after the return of the pilgrims from performing the Haj,” he said at Wisma Negeri here yesterday.

Based on media reports, the state elections in the six states should be held early to avoid clashing with the festive celebration and the Haj season.

For next year, Aidilfitri is expected to be celebrated on April 22, while Aidiladha will be on June 29, and the first flight to bring potential pilgrims for the Haj pilgrimage is scheduled for May 21.

In another development, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said no detailed discussions had yet been held at the Pakatan level on the appointment of Cabinet members under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

This was because the new Prime Minister had to discuss the matter with other parties such as Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Parti Sarawak, he added.