Pakatan state level negotiations for seat allocations are still being plagued by delays as discussions continue among component parties.

This, despite directives from Pakatan headquarters for the state leaderships to submit their finalised list of candidates for the upcoming general elections by July 31.

NONE Sources close to the opposition coalition informed Malaysiakini that as of now only one state, namely Perlis, had submitted their list to the national headquarters, five days after the deadline.

In Negri Sembilan, DAP Youth leader Anthony Loke ( left ) confirmed that despite the deadline having passed, negotiations are still ongoing, though describing the discussions as "good and going smoothly".

Asked if there are any major issues or changes that are causing the slowdown, he dismissed them as just minor matters.

"There are some changes to the allocations, but I foresee no major problems. I am confident that we will reach a good consensus," said Loke.

He added that the state Pakatan are confident that the matter will be resolved within two weeks.

‘Similar delays in Selangor'

Another source in Selangor close to the seat negotiations also confirmed similar delays in the state.

"There are some details to be ironed-out at the district levels," he explained.

The source said that on the whole their policy is to try and maintain the seats whose party won them in the last election.

azlan However, he also foresaw some minor changes to the arrangement to accommodate recent developments.

The source related that some of the delays involve seats where the opposition is looking to win, as they decide on which component party, candidate and machinery would be the most appropriate to be allocated the constituencies.

While he cannot give a time line on when Selangor Pakatan will finalise its list, he admitted that if it takes too long, there is a cut-off point where the national Pakatan leadership may takeover to dictate its choice.

"This is especially with the uncertainty and imminence of the 13th general election."

Several other sources have also confirmed similar situations in other states though refused to be quoted or provide details.

The holdup in seat allocations is one of the chinks in Pakatan's armour as PKR, DAP and PAS continue to wrangle over the issue with each trying to solidify its own position.

This is especially amidst concerns of party-hoppers prevalent in PKR and attempts by the DAP and PAS to expand out of their traditional seats and areas.

One example of how this can cause the opposition coalition problems was the recent Sarawak state election where last-minute haggling had caused the opposition valuable time and effort that could have been spent campaigning and solidifying voter support.

Bersih: NRD's Mismah-gate clarification unacceptable

200,000 Indonesians listed as voters, claims Anwar

More 'irregularities' found in electoral roll in Penang

'EC and NRD colluding to turn PRs into voters'

Bersih crackdown: Suhakam to quiz all cops involved

Ex-army man's confession: What say you, EC?