Three State Assemblies Dissolved, UMNO Enters Campaign Mode

Malaysia's Election Commission said it received notification letters on the dissolution of state assemblies of Pahang, Perlis and Perak. Election dates for these states will be discussed at the EC's meeting on Thursday, but it is expected that officials will stick to the convention and schedule the poll alongside the upcoming general election.

• Most Malaysian states typically dissolve their assemblies when a general election is called, so that state and federal polls can be held at the same time. All three states which dissolved their legislatures are governed by the Barisan Nasional alliance led by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri's United Malays National Organisation party.
• The ruling party is in full campaign mode, with the Prime Minister and UMNO leader Zahid trying to present a united front, despite earlier reports flagging their backdoor competition for the prime ministerial nomination. Ismail Sabri has also drawn a line under UMNO's relationship with former coalition partner Perikatan Nasional, noting that he should have sacked all 12 PN ministers who asked the King not to consent to a snap election.