IT would be better to hold separate federal and state elections as this will give voters more choices in selecting candidates who will work for them, political observers said.

They also said if voters wanted good representation, then they should not complain about political fatigue, the many times they have to vote or the costs of the election.

The political observers are of the view that having state elections during the monsoon season could be a bane as it can cause difficulties for state governments in their flood preparations.

They were commenting on developments in Penang where the state government had asked DAP to hold its polls at the same time as the general election.

University of Tasmania political analyst James Chin said the logical thing is not to have both state and federal elections simultaneously.

He said he supports the separation of parliamentary and state elections because this will allow voters to split their votes – choosing their candidates.

“It is also for voters to consider state from federal issues,” Chin said.

“It’s better politically and better for the country’s development if there are separate elections.”

As for political fatigue and not wanting to go out and vote twice, he said, if the voters care who they want to represent their community, then they have to go out and vote.

“If they want someone who can address their grievances such as their welfare and economic issues, then I believe no matter how many times, they will have to go out and vote,” he said.

On October 5, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said three Pakatan Harapan-led states will not dissolve their assemblies should the general election be held soon.

This, he said, was to allow the state leaders of Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang to focus on flood preparations and helping  victims.

On Monday, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the dissolution of parliament, paving the way for a general election.

Chin said cost should not be an issue because if voters are to decide on a government, they have to pay for it.

“Trying to save money to hold elections simultaneously is not a good idea if it results in bad governance.

“It is better to spend a bit more money and elect two sets of political leaders who can govern properly,” he said.

More focus on floods

Political scientist Wong Chin Huat said that if states are not having elections, the governments can focus more on flood relief efforts.

“More likely, when floods hit, voters whose state governments are on full alert to save them would be grateful as compared to states where both federal and state governments are deep in election mode.

“If Penang decides to dissolve its state assembly and the state government cannot do their best in flood relief, the state PH and the chief minister will get the blame.”

He said that when floods hit, voters want maximum attention and support from the governments – federal and state.

“How can they expect this when government officers are all campaigning?” Wong asked.

“Ten months down the road, most voters would be happy to have another election with five other states.

“That would be the time for them to cast their vote in support or to reject the new federal government (whichever parties are in power).”

Wong said this is the mid-term election effect where it would be like by-elections. Malaysians would never complain when the whole state is going to the polls when all parties will be making them offers.

He also added that the cost of having separate elections falls on the federal government (because the Election Commission is a federal institution) and the cost to each state will be small.

“Perhaps around 6% of the total cost will be used for separate state elections. Are Penang folk so national-minded that they would risk their live and property to save 6% of all states’ election expenses?”

Wong, however, said Selangor is smart and he expects Negri Sembilan and the three PAS states would show the same wisdom too.

“It would be interesting if Penang decides to join the three Umno-led states of Perak, Pahang and Perlis.”

Meanwhile, Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs said the main reason for not holding state elections concurrently with federal elections dates back to last year.

This, he said, was when the mainstream Umno faction was already pushing for early federal election two years ahead of the due date.

“Now that the election date is less than a year from the due date, perhaps there is no longer such strong sentiment for separate state elections closer to the due dates.

“I am also sympathetic to the argument that separate state elections could serve as some sort of mid-term check against the federal government’s performance.” – October 13, 2022.