Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said PN would want to put off the elections as much as they could, especially with Muhyiddin Yassin’s Bersatu subject to a probe by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
“Bersatu is being investigated and their accounts have been frozen. This does not bode well for PN’s image as a whole. So, pushing back the state elections would give them time for everything to cool down,” he told FMT.
Last Tuesday, the MACC confirmed that Bersatu’s accounts had been frozen, a move understood to be linked to an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of billions of ringgit by the former PN government.
Awang Azman added that this “cooling-off period” was necessary as PN’s rivals could use the situation to their advantage and wrest votes from Muhyiddin’s coalition.
Once the heat is off PN, more voters would be inclined to support them at the polls, he said.
At the same time, he said, putting off the polls would also benefit PH as it gave them the time and opportunity to showcase their capabilities in managing the country.
Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia said PH could use Anwar Ibrahim’s achievements as prime minister to win over voters.
He also noted that state elections usually had a lower voter turnout compared to general elections, which meant it would be better to hold the polls after Ramadan month and Hari Raya.
“For instance, PAS in Kelantan is dependent on out-of-state Kelantanese to come back and vote. So, holding the polls at the end of June after Ramadan and Raya would be better.
“Essentially, the objective is to maximise voter turnout and get voters energised about the state elections. Delaying it will benefit both PN and PH,” he said.
On Wednesday, Kelantan PAS hinted that the state will not call for elections before the state assembly’s term ends, saying it was better to wait until it expired on June 26.
Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun had suggested that its legislative assembly be dissolved on June 1 to pave the way for its 15th state election.
The states which must hold state elections this year are Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang and Terengganu.