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JOHOR BARU – A decisive win in Johor for Barisan Nasional (BN) does not cement a general election victory for coalition lynchpin Umno – should Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob fail to hold back the push for national polls later this year.
Even if BN secures a convincing win at the federal level, it does not guarantee another prime ministerial term for Ismail Sabri.
Universiti Malaya academic Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said these calls from Umno for an early federal election is because the opposition is perceived to be in a weak position after major losses in Sarawak and Melaka.
Any delays, he said, could see the opposition getting its act together to pose a credible threat to BN.
“If BN has a general election at the end of the year or next year, the opposition’s position could strengthen.
“That’s why BN wants the election to happen as soon as possible,” Awang told The Vibes.
However, calls for a snap election is very much dependent on BN’s performance in Johor tomorrow.
If the results are not as favourable as BN expects, there is a possibility that Ismail Sabri will wait it out as the momentum is not as strong as during the Melaka polls.
“But Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has said although the coalition does not win big in Johor, an early election should still happen.
“If that narrative resonates with Umno’s grassroots, a general election cannot be avoided.”
However, Umno’s obstacle could very well be its own vice-president as Ismail Sabri has no intention of becoming Malaysia’s shortest-serving leader.
Awang added that a BN win does not guarantee Ismail Sabri a second term.
“This is why he may want the elections to be held later. The longer the wait, the longer he serves as prime minister.” – The Vibes, March 11, 2022
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