Seat allocations for state polls settled, says Anwar

The Unity Government Leadership Consultative Council has finalised the distribution of seats for the six state elections to be held on Aug 12, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said after chairing a meeting of the council last night.

"(Seat allocations) finalised for all states – only one or two states (with issues) which we discussed and settled tonight.

"We will give the dates for the announcement of candidates in two or three days’ time," Anwar told reporters after the meeting at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Among the top leaders who attended the meeting were Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Gabungan Parti Sarawak chief whip Fadillah Yusof and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

The prime minister said that parties in the government would use the theme "Perpaduan Demi Kestabilan dan Kemakmuran" (Unity for Stability and Prosperity) in facing the state polls.

However, he said the state leaderships could also come up with additional slogans and election manifestos.

"We discussed work preparation and strategies for facing the elections, and we are satisfied. We see that the spirit of loyal supporters can be enhanced, and based on reports, I believe we can not only retain three states, but also have confidence to capture several others," he said.

Anwar also said that the "Jelajah Perpaduan Madani" and launch of machinery would continue in Kedah on July 15, followed by Penang (July 16), Kelantan (July 23), Negeri Sembilan (July 27) and Terengganu (July 28).

The meeting was also attended by Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg, Progressive Democratic Party president Tiong King Sing, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah president Arthur Joseph Kurup and PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.