Ignore Umno pressure for early elections, Mujahid urges Anwar

 Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa says there are policies that need to be implemented until the government's term expires in December 2027.

Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the government was not likely to sacrifice its policy initiatives just because it was under pressure from Umno to call for an election.

PETALING JAYA:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should not entertain Umno’s call to dissolve Parliament for an early general election, says Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

He said that as the current government’s term expires only towards the end of next year, priority must be given towards dealing with policies, especially those related to the economy and the people’s wellbeing.

“I do not think the current government is prepared to sacrifice these initiatives because it is being pressured by Umno to call for an election,” he was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying.

Yesterday, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a swipe at Pakatan Harapan, dared the party’s critics to dissolve Parliament as soon as possible. However, at a press conference after the Umno general assembly, Zahid reiterated Umno’s pledge to stick with the current government until its term ends.

The unity coalition government’s term expires in December 2027. Elections must be held by February 2028, unless Parliament is dissolved earlier.

Mujahid said the unity government was established in 2022 with conditions attached. He also said that parties wishing to exit the current administration are welcome to do so.

“I do not think Anwar intends to kick any party out, but he will not stop them from leaving if they decide to do so,” he said. - FMT