Penang PH given the go to start talks with BN on state polls

Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) has received instructions from the central PH to start negotiations with state Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders to prepare for this year's state elections. 

PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow said no negotiations had been held with the state BN yet although it had received the directive.

"A meeting with BN has not yet been scheduled, although the decision of the central state PH to start talks is known... officially, there is no letter or anything that specifies when we can discuss," he told reporters today when asked about discussions and preparations in light of the state election this year.

He also suggested that a state PH meeting be held to discuss the central directive before any meeting with state representatives from BN.

Elections will be held in six states this year: Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

Chow, who is the Penang chief minister, said the menteris besar and chief ministers of the respective states would meet this Thursday to discuss and coordinate important dates.

He said the meeting would be held at the invitation of the Selangor menteri besar after a meeting of all menteris besar and chief ministers with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya and the Conference of Rulers meeting.