IPOH, Nov 10 — Perak is considering declaring polling eve on November 18 as a state public holiday, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

He said an announcement was expected to be made on Monday.

"We are considering the matter, but are not sure who has the locus standi to announce it.

"This is unlike Selangor where the Mentri Besar can do it because the Selangor State Assembly has not been dissolved. In Perak, can the caretaker (Mentri Besar) announce it? The desire to declare (a holiday) is there,” he said at a media conference after a solidarity gathering of the Perak Barisan Nasional here today.

Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang have declared a state public holiday on November 18.

Malaysians will go to the polls on November 19 for the 15th general election, but only three states — Perak, Pahang and Perlis — are holding their state elections simultaneously with the national polls. — Bernama