Anwar may call snap election if tensions within unity govt worsen

 The Pakatan Harapan chairman says he will meet coalition leaders soon to discuss the matter.

PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim said he will consider the views of other component party leaders before making any decision on early elections. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he may call an early general election if tensions within the unity government continue to worsen.

Anwar, who is also the Pakatan Harapan chairman, said he would meet PH leaders soon to discuss the matter.

“If this approach continues to strain and fracture relations within the government, then we may have to consider holding a general election nationwide,” he was quoted as saying, likely referring to Johor Barisan Nasional’s decision to go solo at the next state polls.

Anwar said while a prime minister would have the final say on dissolving Parliament, he would consider the views of other PH leaders before making any decision.

Johor BN’s decision to contest all 56 state seats led to Johor PH declaring it would do the same earlier today.

Ties between the two coalitions were also tested last month after 14 BN assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan retracted support for menteri besar Aminuddin Harun of PKR following a crisis involving the state’s royalty.

Umno, however, pledged to continue backing the unity government in Negeri Sembilan to ensure political stability despite the actions of their assemblymen.

This evening, Anwar said relations between the top leadership of PH and BN remain good and harmonious at the federal level, and that the door remains open for further negotiations.

He had said last month that there would be no snap general election, and called on all political parties to continue working together to find solutions amid the global energy crisis. - FMT