Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ready to consider early elections
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he is ready to consider calls for early general elections. At the same time, he stressed that he would first personally consider the matter and then approach Malaysia's king, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, regarding the dissolution of parliament, Channel NewsAsia reports.
Calls for elections
Anwar Ibrahim responded to proposals from Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi of the Barisan Nasional coalition, as well as Abdul Hadi Awang, president of the Islamic party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia. Zahid Hamidi said that holding the 16th general election earlier would be preferable, although the coalition is also prepared for the government to serve its full five-year term.
Malaysia's next general election must be held no later than February 2028. Anwar Ibrahim's unity government consists of his Pakatan Harapan coalition, Barisan Nasional, and Borneo-based coalitions.
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Government and party positions
According to the prime minister, his administration's current priorities are the economy, public welfare, and combating corruption and abuse of power. He noted that the government remains stable and should focus specifically on these issues.
Parti Islam Se-Malaysia is part of the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition. Its president, Abdul Hadi Awang, said that the party is preparing for elections and will be ready regardless of the date they are held.
Barisan Nasional Secretary-General Zambry Abd Kadir stressed that calls for early elections do not mean that the coalition intends to undermine the government. He said Barisan Nasional is committed to preserving the current government and the country's political stability until the voting date is announced.
