No state election before GE14 - Zahid

There will be no state election before the 14th general election (GE14), Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, at the same time refuting opposition allegations that a state election will be held in Johor.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman said, even though there were views for Johor to hold its state election separately, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had clearly stated his stand to coordinate election with other states in the peninsula.

"In this regard, in terms of administration, the Election Commission will not be expected to utilise unforseen allocation," he told reporters after launching the Johor Skills Hub at Johor Education Foundation College here today.

Ahmad Zahid said the explanation provided by the Menteri Besar so far was to ensure continuity of the leadership and the objectives of state government were in line with the federal government's goal.

"We know after they (opposition) won the parliamentary and state seats, they did not make any changes, there was far less development in the areas controlled by them," said Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO vice president and Home Minister.

Ahmad Zahid said even though these areas were not represented by BN MPs or assemblymen, the voters were not sidelined.

"However, what is done by the state government and federal government must be evaluated preferably by the voters in the areas concerned, especially by first time voters," he said.

He was commenting on a statement by Johor DAP claiming that the party would still make preparation for the state election even though Mohamed Khaled had stated the state election in Johor would not be called for. -- Bernama