Analysts: Anwar should not be pressured into calling GE16 early

 

The power to dissolve the Dewan Rakyat rests solely with the prime minister, and a date will only be set when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim decides it is most strategically opportune to do so. — PIC COURTESY PARLIAMENT OF MALAYSIAS

KUALA LUMPUR: The power to dissolve the Dewan Rakyat rests solely with the prime minister, and a date will only be set when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim decides it is most strategically opportune to do so.

Although the prime minister holds the prerogative to dissolve Parliament to pave the way for the 16th General Election (GE16), the move remains subject to the consent and approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

On that basis, political analysts said it is unreasonable to pressure the prime minister to dissolve the Dewan Rakyat in the near term, as such a step requires strategic political acumen.

Political analyst Professor Datuk Seri Dr Syed Arabi Syed Abdullah Idid said the prime minister will only dissolve the Dewan Rakyat when he feels his leadership coalition has the strength to face an election. — PIC FROM OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA’S FB

Political analyst Professor Datuk Seri Dr Syed Arabi Syed Abdullah Idid said the prime minister will only dissolve the Dewan Rakyat when he feels his leadership coalition has the strength to face an election.

"Even under pressure, the prime minister will ultimately make a decision that benefits his party. I do not see Parliament being dissolved in the near future, perhaps next year," he told Berita Harian.

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, when delivering his winding-up speech at the Umno General Assembly 2026, issued an ultimatum to the unity government either to expedite GE16 or oust Umno from the government through a vote of no confidence in the Dewan Rakyat.

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, when delivering his winding-up speech at the Umno General Assembly 2026, issued an ultimatum to the unity government either to expedite GE16 or oust Umno from the government through a vote of no confidence in the Dewan Rakyat. — NSTP/ AHMAD UKASYAH

Political analyst Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir said pressuring the prime minister goes against public sentiment, which favours the unity government continuing to govern to execute its planned policies and transformations.

He said it is inaccurate to frame the dissolution of Parliament as something that can be forced by a component party within the government.

"This is because the legitimacy of a prime minister is ultimately determined by whether he retains the confidence of the majority of Dewan Rakyat members, which is the foundational principle of Malaysia's parliamentary democracy system.

"From a constitutional standpoint, the matter is far more complex than a political ultimatum issued by the Umno president," he said.

Jeniri added that Zahid's actions risked putting the cart before the horse, noting that even if Barisan Nasional were to pull out of the government, it would not automatically cause the administration to collapse.

As long as Anwar retains the support of a simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat, the constitutional basis for him to continue leading the government remains intact.

"This is where Zahid's ultimatum carries political risk. It may serve to energise Umno delegates and show that the party does not want to be seen as overly dependent on Pakatan Harapan.

"However, open pressure on the prime minister could create the perception that government stability is being used as a political bargaining tool.

"Worse, Zahid risks being seen as power-hungry and impatient for GE16," he said.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Institution of Malay Rulers Chair Fellow Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan said calls for an early dissolution of Parliament amounted to idle talk, noting that even if BN pulled out, PH would still likely command the majority needed to govern.

"A sudden exit would hurt his coalition members more than PH, given that the PH bloc could potentially maintain majority support even without BN's participation," he said. - NST