Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said he may consider calling snap elections if tensions within his ruling coalition worsen.
The next general election is scheduled for February 2028, but Anwar could seek the king’s approval to dissolve parliament earlier. Government lawmakers told Reuters in March that an election could potentially be held as early as July.
Synchronising State And Federal Polls
Malaysia is a federal system where state elections are usually held alongside federal polls every five years. However, political instability since 2020 has caused some state governments to collapse early, disrupting this cycle.
Three states—Johor, Malacca, and Sarawak—are due to hold elections within the next year. The Election Commission said in February that an early general election could allow state polls to be held together, reducing costs, according to media reports.
Cracks In The Ruling Coalition
Anwar became prime minister in November 2022, forming a “unity government” that brought together his Pakatan Harapan bloc, former rival Barisan Nasional (BN), and other parties after a hung parliament result.
His administration has been credited with restoring stability after years of political turmoil that saw three prime ministers in as many years. However, the coalition has faced internal strains over corruption allegations, democratic concerns, and tensions within BN.
Anwar has also faced pressure over calls linked to jailed former premier Najib Razak, convicted in the 1MDB scandal. Johor BN recently said it would contest an upcoming state election independently, highlighting growing divisions.
Rising Energy Costs
Malaysia has enjoyed steady economic growth and a jump in investment during Anwar’s tenure, but public discontent has grown over rising living costs.
The government provides support and subsidies for fuel and other basic needs. But its energy subsidy bill has ballooned to around 7 billion ringgit ($1.77 billion) a month as a result of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran,straining its finances.
Anwar may be pushed to seek a fresh mandate ahead of any move to trim subsidies or raise fuel prices, which would be deeply unpopular, analysts have said.
Fragmented Opposition
An early election could also work in Anwar’s favour, as the opposition is currently fragmented.
The opposition bloc is now led by the Islamist party PAS, which took over this month after its key partner Bersatu—headed by former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin—split amid internal disputes that led to the removal of more than a dozen leaders.
Anwar may also face competition from two former cabinet ministers, Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who recently left the ruling coalition to lead a smaller party. While they claim to have attracted thousands of supporters, including defectors from Anwar’s bloc, it remains unclear whether they can emerge as a significant electoral force.
(With inputs from agencies)
