COMMENT | In response to the call by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke on Sept 21 for the federal and state elections in the peninsula to be held simultaneously to save costs, we would like to emphasise that money must not be the only or overarching consideration in deciding the election date.

If the goal is truly economic benefit, then in today’s climate crisis - where unpredictable disasters like the Sabah floods can strike at any time - the greater gain comes from certainty and predictability - not simultaneity - in the election calendar.

Fixed election dates provide that certainty by removing the guesswork of when polls will be called, reducing disruptions to disaster preparedness, emergency response, and broader economic planning.

Loke should instead push for a fixed-term parliament or legislature so that the Election Commission (EC) can predetermine election dates to ease preparation.

Of course, early dissolution must be allowed as an option if...