Awkward for PH if Penang holds simultaneous state polls, says analyst

 

While it is understandable why Penang DAP wants to dissolve the state assembly now, says analyst Azmi Hassan, it will ‘punch holes’ in its credibility after saying it prefers polls to be held later.

GEORGE TOWN: Pakatan Harapan (PH) would be placed in an awkward position if its top leadership agrees to greenlight the dissolution of the Penang state assembly, says an analyst.

Last week, PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim said the coalition would not hold state elections in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang so that its leaders could focus on flood preparations.

Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said if Penang were to dissolve its state assembly now, it would “punch holes” in its credibility of citing the monsoon season to oppose holding state elections concurrently with the next general election (GE15).

“It will be awkward, but I understand why DAP wants to dissolve the state assembly,” he told FMT.

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“Let’s say Barisan Nasional wins GE15 and forms the next federal government. It would be in a good position (to perform well) in the Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang state elections.

“DAP understands this. That is why they are eager to dissolve the state assembly because (right now) they are in a good position (to retain Penang).”

Yesterday, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said the party will leave it to the PH leadership to decide whether to dissolve the Penang state assembly. A decision is expected today.

Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia said PH should have no issue retaining Penang and Selangor if state elections were held together with GE15.

‘Negeri Sembilan, on the other hand, is less predictable since PH only has four seats more than BN,” he said.

“Negeri Sembilan PH might not feel they are ready to face the state election now.”

Meanwhile, James Chin of the University of Tasmania’s Asia Institute said it would be better for Penang to have separate parliamentary and state elections.

He said this would allow voters to make informed decisions on federal and state issues.

Chin said he did not believe Penang DAP’s preference to hold state elections now would affect ties with its coalition partners.

He said the coalition is facing much bigger problems, including seat distribution, selection of candidates, and selling the idea of Anwar as a prime minister candidate. - FMT