[UPDATED] Anwar open to consider early general election

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is open to the idea of an early general election, according to his recent remarks. However, he stressed that any decision would be made with careful consideration before being presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Anwar's response came in reaction to calls from the Pas president, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who both advocated for the early election.

Anwar clarified that the government's primary focus remains on the economy, people's welfare, and efforts to combat corruption and abuse of power. He emphasized that those in positions of public trust should not fear investigations by enforcement agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), police, and Inland Revenue Board.

The government, he stressed, had been given a mandate to govern properly and cleanse the country of corruption and abuse of power, irrespective of political or racial factors. Anwar urged enforcement agencies to conduct investigations fairly and based on evidence, adding that he had conveyed this position to the cabinet. He also reiterated his readiness to face any pressure in his anti-corruption agenda, emphasizing that the drive was not about protecting his position or any particular group, but about saving the country.