PAKATAN Harapan-led governments in Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan will not dissolve its state assemblies if the next general election is called this year, its presidential council said today.

“The presidential council accepts the stance of the Selangor and Negri Sembilan menteri besar, as well as the chief minister of Penang that they will only dissolve the state assemblies in 2023, at a date that will be determined later,” it said in a statement today.

The five-year term of the three assemblies are set to expire in May next year.

The decision was made based on MetMalaysia’s prediction that the monsoon, which is expected to arrive in November, will see flooding in many areas.

The three states are also preparing to face the floods and are taking a people-centric approach, the council said.

The statement was issued by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke and Upko president Wilfred Madius Tangau.

Last month, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that Penang will not dissolve the legislative assembly if the general election is held during monsoon season.

He said the risks to the lives of voters are too high for elections to be held during a time when floods could occur.

PH, Muda and Perikatan Nasional have all spoken out against having snap polls during the monsoon season.

Umno, however, is determined to dissolve parliament soon. Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has yet to announce a decision on the matter. – October 5, 2022.