Calls for Malaysia’s 16th General Election (GE16) to be held concurrently with state elections in Melaka, Sarawak, and Johor are gaining widespread support from leaders spanning the political spectrum.
For many, the proposal makes both financial and logistical sense. It could streamline operations for the Election Commission, reduce costs, and improve voter participation — challenges that have persisted since the pandemic-era elections.
In Negeri Sembilan, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun urged for a united discussion among leaders of the Unity Government, emphasizing that any decision must protect national political stability.
From Johor, Datuk Zulkifli Bujang argued that combined elections could boost turnout and simplify party coordination, particularly in geographically large states like Sarawak. Faezuddin Puad, from PKR Youth, agreed, calling it a “pragmatic and stabilizing move.”
Meanwhile, Selangor DAP’s Datuk Ng Suee Lim described the approach as efficient and time-saving, and Melaka’s Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy said he would abide by his party’s final decision.
The proposal, first floated by Anthony Loke and later endorsed by Mahfuz Omar and Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, has evolved from a partisan idea into a broader conversation about reforming Malaysia’s election schedule for greater efficiency and unity.