Umno’s actions not matching its words, says analyst

Analyst James Chin of the University of Tasmania has stated that Umno's actions do not align with its repeated promises to back Anwar Ibrahim until the end of the current parliamentary term. Chin suggests that Umno is trying to undermine Anwar instead of supporting him, particularly since its strong performance in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls, where PN formed a pact with Umno.

With the Melaka state election expected soon and another Barisan Nasional victory anticipated, Chin believes Umno-led coalition would strive to maintain its momentum by pushing for an early general election. He adds that Anwar is sorting out a new alliance minus Umno, and he expects ties between Pakatan Harapan and BN to worsen, while Umno will play a game of pretending to support Anwar while undermining him.

Azmi Hassan from Akademi Nusantara sees BN's call for early GE16 as a response to pressure, with leaders facing potential legal action over investigations into Tabung Haji and possibly Felda. Both sides, according to Azmi, want to maintain their momentum of election wins, which could create instability in the PH-led federal government due to BN's significant influence over other political parties in the Madani administration.