KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Cabinet has not discussed calling an early general election despite the sudden dissolution of two state assemblies, the country’s Communications Minister has said.
Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also dismissed concerns that a decision by Barisan Nasional (BN), a coalition partner within the “unity” government in Putrajaya, to contest in the upcoming state polls independently would destabilise the federal government.
The political developments come amid a wider backdrop of regional economic anxiety, following the recent bombing of Iran by Israel and the United States.
The current mandate for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s “Madani” government runs until November 2027, with a general election not constitutionally required until February 2028.
However, momentum for localised polls has surged. Last night, the state of Negeri Sembilan dissolved its assembly, following a similar move by Johor earlier this week. Melaka and Sarawak, are widely expected to follow suit in the coming months.
When asked whether these localised dissolutions would pressure the federal government into calling a snap national vote, Fahmi said: “So far, there have been no discussions about an early general election.”
Addressing the economic timing of the state polls during a period of geopolitical volatility, Fahmi noted that the timeline rested entirely with regional leaders.
“The Menteri Besar of both states decided to dissolve their assemblies, and their royal rulers consented to the move,” he said.
“We cannot do anything about it as we have to follow the proper process.”
Speculation has mounted over the friction within Malaysia’s complex ruling coalition after BN announced it would run alone in Johor, bypassing its federal allies.
Fahmi firmly dismissed any threat to the central government’s survival.
“That decision has no bearing on the federal government,” he insisted.
“The Cabinet met this morning, and it was business as usual. There was no issue with our relationship.”
Meanwhile, the political landscape in Negeri Sembilan has been further complicated by a rare royal succession dispute.
Earlier today, Anwar said the Federal government continues to recognise Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. However, the state’s four traditional chieftains, known as the Undang Yang Empat, have counter-named Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the new ruler.
Fahmi confirmed that the Prime Minister currently has no plans to meet with Negeri Sembilan’s leadership.
Separately, the minister noted that a decision on whether to postpone PKR’s national congress, currently scheduled to take place in Melaka from June 25-28, will be finalised at a party leadership meeting in Johor tomorrow.