Campaigning for Six Malaysian State Polls Kicks Off Today

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- The two-week campaign period officially commenced Saturday for Malaysia's six state polls following the filing of nomination papers by candidates in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Penang.

 

A total of 245 state seats are up for contention in the upcoming Aug 12 polls.

 

Notably, the state elections are being held separately from Malaysia's General Election last November, as these states chose not to dissolve their respective state assemblies at that time.

 

“God-willing, let’s all campaign in an orderly, courteous, and civilised manner," said Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim who is Chairman of Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. 

 

Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, also the chairman of opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) expressed that voters are seeking change.

 

Muhyiddin acknowledged the importance of Selangor as a key battleground, but emphasised that the other states hold equal significance.

 

Among the highlights of the state elections is the contest for the Sungai Tua seat, where Caretaker Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari will defend his position against PN’s Muhammad Hanif Jamaluddin and an independent candidate.

 

Amirudin expressed confidence in PH's ability to retain all three seats in the Gombak constituency, citing the Selangor state government's performance over the past five years.

 

Notably, the PH coalition is collaborating with former arch-rival Barisan Nasional (BN) for the first time.

 

In this electoral battle, the unity government aims to defend the states of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Penang, while the opposition PN coalition is the incumbent in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah.

 

With over 9.7 million eligible voters, the nation is eagerly preparing for the upcoming Aug 12 polls.

 

-- BERNAMA