Melaka assembly may dissolve in April, state poll expected in June

 

MELAKA: The Melaka legislative assembly could be dissolved during its April sitting, paving the way for a state election likely to be held in early June, according to several state political party leaders.

Melaka Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) strategy director Mohd Radzmin Roslan said the party is preparing for the possibility of an April dissolution.

"We had a meeting on Thursday (Feb 19) to prepare for all scenarios, including the possibility of three-cornered contests," he said.

“The party is ready to face any possibility in the upcoming state poll if Barisan Nasional chooses not to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan,” he said, adding that the party would continue preparations together with DAP and Amanah.

Mohd Radzmin said the state poll could be held before the PKR national congress, which is scheduled to take place in Melaka from June 25 to 28.

"There is a lot of uncertainty for now, but we will navigate accordingly,” he said.

Melaka DAP organising secretary Low Chee Leong, meanwhile, said he had also heard speculation of an April dissolution.

"However, we will wait for the next state assembly sitting in April," he said.

"At this stage, it remains speculation," he added.

Melaka Gerakan chief Datuk Seri Michael Gan Peng Lam said there has been growing talk that the assembly may be dissolved during the next sitting in mid-April.

"Yes, we are hearing that the dissolution could take place within the next two months to pave the way for the state election in June," he said.

“We have already begun discussions and preparations with our partners in Perikatan Nasional,” he said on Friday (Feb 20).

Gan said the resignation of Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin as Masjid Tanah Bersatu chief on Thursday (Feb 19) would not affect preparations at the state level.

Mas Ermieyati and 39 division committee members reportedly resigned, citing a loss of confidence in party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“That is an internal party matter. Our election machinery remains intact, and we will continue to identify suitable candidates for the election,” he said.

Political observer Michael Ching believes the timing could be strategic.

“There is also a possibility that the state election could be called simultaneously with Johor, with Parliament dissolved around the same time,” he said.

Ching said Barisan is likely to contest under its own banner.

“Barisan has a strong grip among the grassroots, especially with various community programmes, including Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR), and the state’s fiscal development,” he said.

Last month, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he expects the state poll to be held within the next two to 10 months.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the limited time to prepare poses a challenge to Melaka Umno leaders seeking to defend Barisan’s strong performance in the last state election.

In the 2021 Melaka election, Barisan won 21 of the 28 seats it contested.

The five-year term of the state legislative assembly ends in December. - Star