PETALING JAYA: Will Prime Minister Najib Razak’s hand in calling for the next general election be forced (GE14) by the likelihood of Anwar Ibrahim being released as early as April?
That is the argument posited by Ucanews when commenting on speculation that GE14 will be held in March or April.
The Bangkok-based news portal said Najib is likely to call for a general election after the Chinese New Year to capitalise on using the festive celebration to make inroads into regaining some of the votes from the second biggest ethnic group in the country.
The first day of Chinese New Year falls on Feb 16 and the festival ends 14 days later with Chap Goh Meh on March 2.
It was previously reported that Anwar might be released as early as April, though no reasons were given as to why this is so.
On Nov 6 last year, Anwar’s daughter, and Lembah Pantai MP, Nurul Izzah, had been quoted as saying that the family were hopeful that the former opposition leader would be out of the Sungei Buloh prison a month or two before his expected June 2018 release date.
Anwar was jailed for five years in February 2015 after being convicted of sodomy.
However, he could be released early as prisoners are usually given a one-third reduction on their jail term for good behaviour. He has so far served 35 months out of his 60-month sentence.
However, he could be released early as prisoners are usually given a one-third reduction on their jail term for good behaviour. He has so far served 35 months out of his 60-month sentence.
Though the former deputy prime minister would still be ineligible from standing as a candidate due to his conviction, the government is aware of his drawing power and eloquence.
Najib may also be advised on the timing based on the expected positive mood in the financial markets during the Lunar New Year festive period, according to Ucanews.
In 2013, Najib waited till the last possible month before Parliament would automatically dissolve, and elections would need to be called. He made the announcement on the dissolution of Parliament on April 3, and the general election was held on May 5.
This time around, he has until June 24, which is when the term of the current Parliament lapses. The polls must then be called within two months, but the prime minister has the prerogative to dissolve Parliament earlier.
The Federal Constitution states that a general election needs to be called when Parliament is dissolved or it reaches a maximum term of five years. The current Parliament kicked off its term on June 24, 2013. -FMT
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.