States under PAS control should hold elections now to capitalise on public anger against the government, said Arau MP Shahidan Kassim.
He said they should be held right after the Padang Serai and Tioman by-elections.
"People are angry over the cabinet, angry at Umno. MIC, many Indians are also angry as there is no recognition (and appointment for MIC) in the cabinet," Shahidan (above) told the press in Padang Serai today.
"It is good to hold state elections immediately, as historically when the Prophet Muhammad returned from war, soldiers were not allowed to go home, but continued to fight against Jews who tricked Muslims," he added.
Hence, he said since PN's campaign machinery in Padang Serai had already been set up, they can continue on with the state elections - expressing confidence that the coalition can sapu (win big) in Kedah.
Shahidan was formerly with Umno but became a PN candidate in the general elections after he was not nominated to defend his Arau seat.
PM under fire
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been under fire over his cabinet, with criticism including appointing Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is on trial for corruption as deputy prime minister.
Anwar had also been criticised for appointing Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz as international trade and industry minister despite the latter being defeated in the recent general election.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also lamented that DAP was underrepresented in the cabinet, although party secretary-general Anthony Loke later clarified that DAP had not asked for any posts and was willing to be left out of the cabinet entirely.
Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan, together with Harapan-controlled Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Penang, are due to have state elections by the middle of the year.
PN had made a huge sweep of parliamentary seats in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan - losing just one seat, Sungai Petani.
Besides public anger, early polls in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan may also benefit PN if outstation voters, particularly those who support Harapan or BN, are not motivated or unable to afford a return trip so soon after the November polls. - Mkini
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