Cover Observers say the state elections will be a test of the strength of Malaysia's unity government helmed by prime minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Photo: Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
Observers say the state elections will be a test of the strength of Malaysia's unity government helmed by prime minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Photo: Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
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How state elections differ from general elections, why only six states out of the 13 are having elections this year, and more questions answered
On August 12, 2023, an estimated 9.7 million Malaysians will go out to vote in the state elections held in Selangor, Kedah, Terengganu, Penang, Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan. During Malaysia’s 15th General Elections (GE15) in November 2022, these six states chose not to dissolve their state assemblies and are now holding state elections.
In these elections, a total of 245 state assembly seats are being contested across the six states by 570 candidates from nine parties. July 29, last Saturday, was the nomination day announced by Malaysia’s Election Commission, kicking off an intense week of campaigning by various political parties’ nominated candidates.
Above Image: @MalaysiaKini/Instagram
Image: @MalaysiaKini/Instagram
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‘ADUN’ versus ‘MP’ and the difference between state elections and general elections
In a general election, Malaysians vote for candidates who will become Members of Parliament (MPs), determining which parties will helm the federal government led by the prime minister. State elections like the one to be held on August 12 enable voters to choose members of the state assembly (Known as Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri or ADUN) and the state government.
According to the Malaysian Election Commission requirements, candidates for a state legislative assembly seat must be Malaysian citizens no younger than 21 years old (or 18 years old, depending on the provisions in various state or federal laws) who reside in the state they represent.
Essentially, the state government has the power to enact state laws and create policies from land and construction projects to social welfare, public health, sanitation and more. Unlike the general elections, the results of the state elections will not affect the federal government and Malaysian prime minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s parliamentary majority.
Why are the 2023 State Elections important?
Held nine months after the General Elections last November, observers and political analysts say the state polls will be a type of referendum and test of Anwar's unity government, which comprises the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, its former foe-turned-ally Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
While PH leads the state governments in Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, the remaining states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are governed by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, an opposition alliance made up of BERSATU, Gerakan and the Islamist Parti Islam Se-Malaysia or PAS. Additionally, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), helmed by Muar member of parliament Syed Saddiq, recently joined forces with the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) to contest in all six states’ elections.
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Selangor, Malaysia’s wealthiest state and generally considered a microcosm or representation of Malaysia’s ethnic diversity as a whole, is a known Pakatan Harapan stronghold. Some analysts predict that the ruling coalition will retain its power in the state while others opine that the votes may possibly sway in favour of Perikatan Nasional.
From tackling issues of unemployment in Malaysia and attracting foreign investors to addressing representation among marginalised groups and climate change, the issues fronted by the various parties and coalitions are diverse, so it's important to understand the values and platforms that are championed by your local ADUN candidates and their parties.
Above MySPR, the Malaysian Election Commission's official online portal
MySPR, the Malaysian Election Commission's official online portal
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How to check your voting location and details
Malaysians who are 18 years of age and older in the country and overseas have a right to vote. To learn where your voting station is for the coming state elections, visit the Malaysian Election Commission's online portal at mysprsemak.spr.gov.my and click ‘Semakan Daftar Pemilih’. Enter in your IC number and you’ll be directed to a page that lists down important details, like your ‘Saluran’ and ‘Bilangan’ numbers and other information you'll need when voting.
Early voting, which generally takes place no less than seven days after the announcement of candidate nominations, will be held on August 8 (Tuesday). Similar to the General Elections, voters are not subject to any specific dress codes at their respective polling stations, though the Election Commission cautions voters to refrain from wearing any political party symbols or names on their outfits when turning up to vote, in compliance with Section 26 (1) (g) of the Election Offences Act 1954.
Make your voice heard, because every vote counts. Happy voting, Malaysia!
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
