Six states mull assembly dissolutions in late June

 

Six states that are due to hold their elections this year are considering the dissolution of their state assemblies in the second half of June.

This consensus on the date was reached today at a meeting among the chief minister and menteri besar of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Penang.

“In summary, we have reached a consensus to consider dissolving our respective state assemblies in the last two weeks of June 2023.

“This understanding will be informed to and discussed at the respective party levels before being presented for assent by the heads of state,” Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said in a statement today.

The dissolution of the state assemblies will pave way for elections to be held within 60 days from the dates of the dissolution.

These six states did not hold their State Legislative Assembly elections during the 15th general election. The term of each state assembly will expire five years after its first sitting following the last state elections which were all held on May 9, 2018.

Ongoing discussions since January

This means the state election must be held by July this year, depending on when the respective state held its first assembly sitting after the 14th general election.

However, there have been ongoing discussions since January to hold the state elections simultaneously, which would simplify the logistics of holding the state elections.

Prior to today’s consensus, various dates have been proposed by each state.

For example, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun previously proposed June 1 for the dissolution of the state assembly, Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor proposed June 18, while Kelantan PAS Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Abdullah mooted automatic dissolution on June 26. - Mkini