Consensus from allies needed on concurrent polls in Penang - Ramasamy

Malaysiakini : DAP must reach a consensus with Pakatan Harapan allies Amanah and PKR on whether Penang is going to hold its state election concurrently with the parliamentary polls.

According to Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy, this is so that Harapan parties are not seen as being unprincipled and opportunistic.

In a statement today, the senior DAP leader lined out several reasons why Penang DAP prefers to have simultaneous parliamentary and state elections. "Firstly, voters need not come twice to the state (to vote) if concurrent elections are held, and secondly, there is a feeling among the grassroots that concurrent polls are the best way to defeat BN, especially when its strength is at the lowest.

"If separate elections are held, BN by winning the parliamentary seats, might be in a position to dent Harapan's strength at a later point, when the state election is held," Ramasamy (above) said. Although it would be difficult for Harapan leadership to deviate from its initial position of not wanting to go for concurrent elections due to the risk of floods, the question of winning the state election should be paramount, he noted.

"The Penang DAP is of the opinion that simultaneous elections might be the best option in terms of capturing the state. "Lastly, the logistical problems of having political campaigns twice - one for the parliamentary, and later, state election, might impose additional hardships and nightmares," said Ramasamy.

TTSH : Throughout history, PKR has always insisted on being the boss. They always think they are right. Just because DAP tries to accommodate and work with PKR doesnt mean DAP is weak and directionless.

DAP just does not want to rock the boat and cause any discord. DAP's strength is their many strong and vocal leaders, including its supporters.

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