No need to rush into early polls, says Loke

DAP Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook has stated that there is no urgency to call an early general election as long as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim continues to enjoy majority support in Parliament. Addressing reporters after the DAP Wanita National Congress, Loke emphasized that the unity government was established following an agreement reached post the 15th general election, with a five-year term.

He highlighted that there remained 15 months left in the current term, which should be utilized for implementing the reforms agreed upon by the Cabinet.

Loke reiterated that for the DAP, as long as the prime minister retains majority support, there is no need to succumb to any pressure to dissolve Parliament. He outlined several reforms they aim to implement, including constitutional amendments approved by the Cabinet, such as the separation of the attorney-general and public prosecutor's roles and a two-term limit for the prime minister.

Earlier, Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi suggested that it would be advantageous for the next general election (GE16) to occur earlier than the completion of Parliament's term at the year's end. Nonetheless, he indicated that the Umno-led coalition is also prepared to proceed if the prime minister decides to serve the full five-year term.

Anwar acknowledged the possibility of considering an early GE16, but stressed that the government's focus is on addressing economic concerns, public welfare, and combating corruption.