State polls: Seat distribution must be based on agreed principles – Loke

The distribution of state assembly seats between Pakatan Harapan and BN for the coming state elections must be decided based on principles agreed upon through the Unity Government Secretariat.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said among the principles and parameters that had been agreed upon was that seats won by a certain party will continue to be contested by that party in the coming state polls.

“When we enter into any seat negotiations, surely there are parameters and principles which must be agreed upon, namely the incumbent seat will continue to be held by the winning party.

“For example, if the seat was won by BN, we will not ask for it (as) it will certainly cause problems.

“For seats not won by either Harapan or BN, then we will negotiate like in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.

“Of course, there will be negotiations between Harapan and BN, that has been agreed upon,” he said after officiating the DAP state polls preparation retreat today.

Loke, who is also the Negeri Sembilan DAP chairperson, told reporters this when commenting on the Negeri Sembilan BN’s request for two additional seats from Harapan in the coming polls aimed at obtaining a balance in each state assembly.

He added that the seat distribution between Harapan and BN in the six states facing the polls should not be turned into polemics and all wishes and views of all parties must be referred to the central leadership.

“We respect views, everyone can give their views, every party has its wishes but, ultimately, I say that decisions must be based on shared principles,” he said.

The transport minister also said that there is no issue of any party being offended and all parties must be open to any decision made by the central leadership.

Meanwhile, during his speech at the retreat programme, Loke, who is also the Seremban MP, said the Harapan and BN coalition needs to reach an understanding to avoid the overlapping of seats in the state polls, besides the need for cooperation with each other.

- Bernama

Muda: Answer on joining Harapan first, seat allocation talks later

State polls: Harapan, BN agree to let winning GE14 parties keep seats

'MIC can't claim traditional seats in Penang after repeated losses'

Harapan, BN agree on parameters for state polls seat allocation

Loke denies claim DAP to drop Ramasamy from Penang polls