'Holding separate state polls from federal sign of healthy democracy'

A senior DAP leader has justified holding state elections separately from the federal polls, saying it is in the larger interest of the people.

According to Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, holding separate state and federal elections would promote diversity and democracy.

"There is no necessity in holding the federal and state elections at the same time.

"By withholding the consent to have elections in the three states, the Pakatan Harapan leadership can demonstrate that it cares more for the welfare of the people than the federal government," Ramasamy said in a statement today.

His remark comes following a statement by Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim that three states held by the coalition, namely Penang, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor, will sit out of the 15th general election (GE15) if Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolves the Parliament soon.

The states will instead focus on addressing possible flooding issues during the monsoon season, and easing the people's suffering, he had said.

According to Ramasamy, the states seeing things differently from the federal government is an indication of a vibrant and healthy democracy.

"I think the role of the opposition, its increasing assertiveness, the undemocratic attempts by the federal government to impose a sense of artificial uniformity, and others are signs of changes.

"A time might not be far off for elections to the Parliament and to the state assemblies appearing at different times," he said.

"The main guiding principle seems to be rooted in the interest and well-being of the people and not centralisation benefitting a few," Ramasamy added. - Mkini