PETALING JAYA: It is up to the Election Commission (EC) to decide if the Melaka and Sarawak state elections are held simultaneously, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (pic).

       The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister said the Cabinet did not make any decision on the matter.

       "There is no such decision (by the Cabinet) that the Melaka and Sarawak state elections will be held simultaneously.

       "It is up to the EC," he said when contacted Sunday (Oct 17).

       The EC will hold a special meeting on Monday (Oct 18) to discuss the Melaka state elections.

       Sarawak remains under a state of emergency until Feb 2, 2022 and as such, its state elections will not be held until the emergency is lifted.

       It is understood that several high-level meetings of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) had taken place in the last weeks as part of preparation if the state election is held as early as November.

       On the Sarawak elections, Nanta, who is also GPS secretary-general, said that it is best to hold the polls before the monsoon season hits the state at the end of the year.

       "We are hoping to avoid holding a state election during the rainy season to avoid unwanted circumstances. We are always looking after the welfare of the rakyat.

       "Also, Sarawak is one of the states that received the vaccination early.

       "So we hope that it can be conducted soon," he said.

       "Principally, we also do not want to be ‘living on borrowed time’.

       "As a responsible party and state government, it is best that we can do it soon," added Nanta.