GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he has not gotten any invitation from Pas vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar for a meeting to discuss the date for the state election in six states so that it can be held simultaneously.
He said he too was surprised to read that discussion would be held between Pas and the leaders of Penang, Negri Sembilan and Selangor next week.
"I have not received any invitation, but normally during the Conference of Rulers meeting, we will gather around for informal discussion.
"And the next occasion will be a week before the tabling of the 2023 Budget. There will be the Conference of Rulers meeting and a meeting between the prime minister and all the chief ministers and menteris besar.
"So, the nearest occasion that we will be meeting in formal but informally is then," he told newsmen after attending the Padang Kota constituency Chinese New Year open house here today.
Yesterday, Ahmad Samsuri said he would meet with the leaders of Penang, Negri Sembilan and Selangor to discuss the date for the state election so that it could be held simultaneously.
He said unofficial discussion regarding the date of the state election with Chow, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari and Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun was held late last year.
He also said that the decision on the date had not been made and further discussion would be held next week.
"The decision will not be finalised until a formal discussion with Chow, Amiruddin and Aminuddin is held next week," Ahmad Samsuri was quoted as saying.
Only Perlis, Pahang and Perak had dissolved their state assemblies to hold state elections concurrently with the 15th General Election on Nov 19.
Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have not seen their respective state assemblies dissolved yet.
Elaborating, Chow said they had previously held discussions to hold simultaneous state elections in the six states, three each held by Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional.
"We have voiced our intention, if possible, for the six states to hold simultaneous polls," he added.
On Monday, PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there has been no official discussion between PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) with regards to seat negotiations for state elections in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Penang and Selangor.
Anwar however said he would not prevent leaders in the respective states from discussing the matter.