‘We still have until February 2028’, Pakatan sec-gen says as GE16 chatter grows

Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has dismissed calls for the 16th general election to be held earlier, stating that the Madani government's term does not expire until February 2028. This was revealed after Saifuddin officiated the launch of the 2026 Madani Adopted Village and School by the Immigration Department at Sekolah Kebangsaan Nenasi in Pekan, according to Bernama.

Saifuddin emphasized that they still have ample time to focus on fulfilling their responsibilities as leaders and safeguarding the people's welfare. While speculation regarding the timing of GE16 has grown, it is important to note that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is not mandated to call the polls until Parliament dissolves in December 2027, with an election following within 60 days.

Political analysts have suggested several potential windows for an early dissolution, such as the latter part of 2026 or after the Budget 2027 is presented. Some observers have even considered the possibility of dissolution as early as February 2027, citing internal coalition dynamics that may prompt early action. Anwar has previously indicated that Parliament could be dissolved sooner than planned if coalition partners engage in behavior that jeopardizes political stability, a statement made following Umno's decision to contest all Johor seats individually during that state's elections.

The Election Commission has affirmed its readiness for any early dissolution of state assemblies or a snap GE16.