KEDAH is in the midst of appointing the state assembly speaker, and a decision is expected by July 1, said Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir.

The Bersatu vice-president said the Pakatan Harapan-led state government is negotiating with the opposition.

“We plan to have our first state assembly on July 1. So, before that, we have to sort things out, and I think it’s well under way. I am not too worried about it,” he said after a PH presidential council meeting in Petaling Jaya today.

The state government has yet to decide on the state speaker, as a consensus must be reached by all parties.

In the 14th general election, PH won 18 out of the 36 seats in the Kedah legislative assembly, PAS (15) and BN (3).

Mukhriz said the state government is trying to convince certain parties on matters related to the speaker’s role, and it has been well received.

However, he did not elaborate on the negotiations.

He said he believes that no one is in the mood to trigger state elections, which would cost Kedah RM18 million.

“The rakyat is not in the mood for another round of elections. It is very costly to have another state polls.

“I’ve been told by the state Election Commission that it would cost no less than RM18 million. So, it’s costly, it’s time consuming, and everyone is ‘election-fatigued’ now.”

He added that PAS has indicated that it is ready should polls be called.

“I feel it might backfire on them if they push for it.” – June 1, 2018.