Kuala lumpur: The Election Commission (EC) has announced that it is unable to conduct simultaneous state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan due to logistical challenges, training needs, and preparedness issues. EC Chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun highlighted that the machinery in Negeri Sembilan requires additional preparation time following the unexpected dissolution of its state legislative assembly.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramlan explained that the dissolution in Negeri Sembilan was abrupt, resulting in a lack of readiness. "In Negeri Sembilan, it was a 'snap dissolution', so there was a lack of preparedness. We need time for them to fully focus," he stated. He further clarified that the EC plans to complete the Johor elections first and then redeploy teams to assist with the elections in Negeri Sembilan. Conducting both elections simultaneously would compromise the adequacy of preparation, he said during a press conference after a special meeting to discuss election arrangements and key dates.

The legislative assemblies of Johor and Negeri Sembilan were dissolved on June 1 and June 5, respectively. The Johor State Legislative Assembly comprises 56 seats, while the Negeri Sembilan assembly has 36 seats. Addressing concerns about the legitimacy of the Negeri Sembilan dissolution, Ramlan emphasized that the issue falls outside the EC's jurisdiction. The EC has consulted the Attorney General's Chambers, which has not raised any objections thus far.

The Election Commission has scheduled polling in Johor for July 11 and in Negeri Sembilan for August 1. The nomination dates for candidates are set for June 27 in Johor and July 18 in Negeri Sembilan.