Pakatan undecided over snap polls moves
By Adib Zalkapli, The Malaysian Insider
As Pakatan Rakyat (PR) heads to its convention this weekend, the pact remains undecided over whether the four state assemblies under its control should be dissolved in case of snap polls.
The Malaysian Insider understands that PAS and PKR are in favour of serving their full term in Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Selangor should Datuk Seri Najib Razak decide to call for early elections next year.
His mandate is until May 2013.
The DAP, however, is said to have no problems with simultaneous elections.
The DAP controls the Penang government while PKR leads the Selangor administration. Both Kedah and Kelantan are under PAS rule.
“If it is up to me, I don’t mind having simultaneous elections,” said a PR leader in favour of federal and state polls to be held at the same time.
Mentris besar and chief ministers can independently advise the state Rulers or governors on when to dissolve their respective state assemblies. The PAS-ruled Kelantan has always followed Barisan Nasional’s (BN) timing despite keeping the state since 1990.
The prime minister can also do the same at the national level by obtaining the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. By convention, the general and state elections are held together.
Selangor, however, has indicated that it would not dissolve its assembly together with the federal Parliament as the state government needed more time to fulfil its election promises.
It is understood that PR leaders who disagreed with simultaneous elections are worried that Kedah might fall to BN in snap polls.
The PAS-led state is said to be the weakest link in the coalition due to under performance.
Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Razak is also said to be unpopular among the younger and more educated state party leaders.
