KUALA LUMPUR — Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim granted an audience to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today, amid growing political chatter over the possibility of an early 16th General Election (GE16).
According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim’s Facebook page, the audience took place at Istana Negara and was also attended by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The king usually grants a weekly audience with the Prime Minister on Wednesdays, before the Cabinet meeting is held.
The meeting today follows Anwar remarks yesterday where he floated the possibility of Parliament being dissolved should ongoing actions by coalition partners within the Unity Government continue to disrupt political stability.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) 2026 Convention at Johor Persada International Convention Centre, Anwar, who is PH chairman, had referred to Johor Umno’s recent decision to contest all seats in the state on its own, warning that this could reshape political calculations ahead of GE16.
“If this is how we are compartmentalising and breaking ties within the government, is it possible that we will choose to hold a general election nationwide?” Anwar had said.
He added that discussions with PH leaders would be necessary in the near future, not only concerning Johor but broader political arrangements nationwide.
While reiterating that the decision to call for a general election ultimately rests with the Prime Minister, Anwar stressed the need for consultation with coalition leadership before any major move is made.
He also signalled that PH was prepared to contest all seats in Johor and expand that approach to states including Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Melaka, Penang and Pahang if negotiations between coalition partners fail to yield an agreement.
Responding to Anwar’s remarks, Umno Supreme Council member Mohd Puad Zakarshi dismissed claims that Johor Umno’s move should be interpreted as a threat against PH.
“There is no Unity Government in Johor. And there is no question of betrayal. Johor Umno is acting honestly by announcing its intentions early and openly,” he said in a Facebook post today. - May 18, 2026
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