Anwar Open to Early Malaysia Vote, Prioritises Economy — SkimNews
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- Anwar Ibrahim said calls for an earlier Malaysian general election will be considered, but the government is currently prioritizing economic revival, improving people's well-being, and combating corruption and abuse of power.
- Anwar told Cabinet on Wednesday (Sept 2) the federal government is stable and holds the mandate to govern, while insisting anti-corruption efforts aren't racially targeted but apply equally to Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sabah, and Sarawak communities.
- Barisan Nasional secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir said the coalition remains committed to the unity government and stability, stressing that wanting an earlier election does not mean BN is overconfident about winning and forming the government.
- Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, BN chairman, has repeatedly stressed Malaysia needs to remain stable and has voiced support for an earlier 16th General Election.
- Malaysia's 15th Parliament is expected to reach its full term on Dec 18, 2027.
Why it matters: Anwar's conditional openness lets restless coalition partners like BN and Zahid keep pressing for a snap poll without forcing an open break, but any vote before parliament's December 2027 term end would cut short his reform runway. His insistence that anti-corruption efforts aren't racially targeted is a direct reassurance to Malaysia's multiethnic unity coalition.
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