GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today said the Election Commission (EC) had given ample time for all parties to campaign for the 15th General Election (GE15).
Earlier today, the EC announced that voting day for GE15 had been set for Nov 19 while nomination day on Nov 5 and early voting on Nov 15.
Election candidates will have 14 days to campaign.
"I see that the time given by the EC is extremely sufficient since the dissolution of Parliament was on Oct 10. This means that it would have been nearly a month from dissolution to nomination and two weeks for campaigning before polling.
"Although the campaigning period is shorter compared with the two previous general elections, it is still a good length of time, taking into account the whole process.
"So, this can generally be regarded as ample time, be it for the government or opposition parties.
"We hope it will be fair for all parties to inform voters on their vision, mission, agenda and candidates' contesting," he said today.
On Oct 10, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the dissolution of the 14th Parliament, which came into effect immediately after getting the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Only Perak, Pahang and Perlis subsequently dissolved their state assemblies to hold state elections simultaneously with GE15.
Meanwhile, commenting on former DAP member of parliament (MP) for Batu Kawan, Kasthuri Patto's decision not defend her seat in the coming general election (GE15) to make way for future leaders in the party, Chow, who is Penang DAP chairman, said he respected her decision.
"Although with a heavy heart, I respect her decision.
"We will look into a suitable candidate to fill the seat," he said.
Asked if other incumbents had voiced similar intentions as Kasthuri, he said "soon, you will find out".
"The party secretary-general will make the announcement two or three days before nomination.
"Now, we have the luxury of time to look at the candidates, suitability and so on," he added.
Earlier today, Kasthuri announced that she would not be defending the seat in GE15 so as to make way for future leaders in the party.
She said although the party leadership had persuaded her to rethink her decision, she was adamant to let go with full support and blessing from the party leadership.