GEORGE TOWN, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Concurrent (state and parliamentary) elections can save the taxpayer's money, says DAP national chairman Karpal Singh.

"In my view, (a general) election should be held at the end of a five-year term," he said.

Karpal was commenting on election for the Selangor legislative assembly, which was likely to be conducted separately, from the coming 13th general election, breaking a long-standing tradition in Malaysia's polls history.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim is of the view that the state election should not be held along with the national elections until the Election Commission (EC) "cleaned up" the electoral roll.

Stating that the people voted for the government for five years, Karpal said: "No doubt, the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) inherited his position from Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and he would want a fresh mandate from the people...but, that can be done by going the full five years."

Najib has, until April 28, next year to dissolve Parliament and call for elections.

If not, Parliament will automatically dissolve on April 29 and the EC is obliged to fix a date, within the following two months.