DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke backs simultaneous federal and state elections to enhance efficiency and reduce election management costs.
SEGAMAT: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook has reaffirmed the party’s support for holding simultaneous federal and state elections to enhance efficiency and reduce election management costs.
He noted that while the decision to dissolve Parliament rests solely with the Prime Minister, DAP as a leading government party would offer its perspective to help coordinate the dissolution should simultaneous elections be pursued.
Loke stated that he cannot confirm whether simultaneous elections will be held because the power to dissolve Parliament rests with the Prime Minister.
He emphasised that DAP fully supports the idea of conducting simultaneous elections as a leading party in the government.
Loke highlighted that several states are approaching the end of their terms with Melaka in December 2026, Sarawak in February 2027, and Johor in April 2027.
He explained that these timelines create a technical window to align state dissolutions with Parliament should an early dissolution be called.
Loke clarified that Parliament would need to be dissolved in advance to allow for simultaneous elections to take place.
He said that coordinating elections would yield practical and financial benefits especially in terms of logistics in Sarawak where separate elections would incur substantially higher costs.
Loke stressed that simultaneous elections can help save costs and reduce national expenditure through standardisation and consolidation.
On political cooperation for the upcoming election, he said discussions on the collaboration model are still ongoing but DAP will align its strategy with a consistent spirit of struggle.
He assured that regardless of the arrangements or cooperation models, DAP will fight wholeheartedly in the upcoming elections.
Loke noted that Johor DAP has a solid foundation to uphold including the five parliamentary seats and 10 state assembly seats the party secured in the previous election.
He said negotiations with Pakatan Harapan and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will continue to ensure the most effective formula is crafted.
Loke emphasised that these negotiations aim to guarantee national stability, strengthen governance, and deliver benefits to the people.
He stressed that the nation must remain stable, states must continue to advance, and the best decisions for the people must be effectively implemented.
Meanwhile, Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching announced that Wong Shu Qi has been appointed as the Election Director for the 16th General Election and the Johor state election.
Teo said the Kluang MP will be supported by Johor DAP secretary Andrew Chen Kah Eng, deputy chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, and committee member Liow Cai Tung.
She expressed confidence that under Wong Shu Qi’s leadership, the team will develop strategies and ensure full preparation for the upcoming elections. – Bernama
