Hold GE16 with all state polls to ensure true representation, say MPs

 H's Azli Yusof and Jimmy Puah say this would also reduce costs, align election cycles and boost voter participation.

Putrajaya spent RM725 million to hold GE15 in 2022, with the subsequent six state elections the following year costing a further RM420 million, according to Election Commission data.

PETALING JAYA:

 Two Pakatan Harapan MPs have called for all state assembly elections to be held concurrently with the next general election (GE16).

The backbenchers said this would reduce government spending, align federal and state election cycles, and improve voter turnout for the state assembly polls, ensuring more accurate representation.

Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof said state elections tend to record lower voter turnouts when held separately from nationwide polls, leaving the elected state government with a smaller mandate.

He told FMT that out-of-town voters are generally more willing to make the journey home during general elections, justifying the proposal for concurrent national and state elections.

“Holding the state elections separately is unfair to voters, especially those who live far away from where they vote,” said the Amanah MP.

Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah said separate elections would lead to voter fatigue, resulting in lower turnouts, as seen in the Melaka, Sarawak and Johor state polls held between 2021 and 2022.

“It’s simply too tiring for people to come out and vote twice in such a short span of time.

“The second thing is that it costs a lot of money, which could be better spent on the development of the country instead of multiple elections,” said the Johor PKR vice-chief.

Azli agreed, pointing out that millions of ringgit would have to be spent every time an election is held.

“My advice (to the federal and state governments) is to hold it concurrently. Once we align the federal and state election cycles, we would not have to think about holding separate elections every five years,” he added.

Sarawak’s state elections was last held in December 2021.

The Sabah and Melaka governments held snap elections in 2020 and 2021 following moves to topple the respective state administrations.

Johor followed suit in 2022 as then menteri besar Hasni Mohamad wanted a “fresh mandate” from Johoreans because of his slim majority in the state assembly.

While the 15th general election (GE15) was held in November 2022, about a year before the parliamentary term’s expiry, six state governments decided to postpone their state polls, citing concerns that potential flooding during the year-end monsoon season could disrupt the elections.

The six states governed by PH and Perikatan Nasional — Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu — held their elections in August 2023 instead.

Only the Perlis, Perak and Pahang state assembly elections were held concurrently with GE15.

Data previously released by the Election Commission showed that Putrajaya spent RM725 million to hold GE15, with the subsequent six state elections costing a further RM420 million.

Last year, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook proposed that the state elections in 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia be held concurrently with GE16. - FMT