Analysts: Anwar should not be pressured into calling GE16 early
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.
Political analysts are advising against pressuring Anwar Ibrahim to call for early elections in Malaysia's 16th General Election (GE16). The prime minister has sole authority to dissolve the Dewan Rakyat, but setting a date is entirely up to Anwar's strategic judgment. Even when faced with pressure, the prime minister will make a decision that best serves his party.
The pressure comes from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's coalition, who argue that forcing an early election contradicts public preference for the unity government to continue implementing policies. The legitimacy of a prime minister is determined by retaining the confidence of the majority in the Dewan Rakyat, not by external pressure. The pressure may be seen as a political bargaining tool and potentially harm government stability.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.