UMNO secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi signal readiness for GE16 as the Unity Government enters its final phase.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Unity Government is entering the final phase of its current term, with UMNO secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki saying its nearly four-year tenure is within the timeframe typically seen before a federal election.
Asyraf Wajdi said this was not unusual, as general elections had traditionally been held after about three years and five months to four years into a parliamentary term.
“Under Malaysia’s democratic electoral system, once three years have passed, we are already entering the period when an election could be held, as long as we have not reached the end of the term.
“In the tradition of federal elections, we have never reached the full five-year term before Parliament is automatically dissolved. On average, three years and five months to four years is the usual period.
“So, it is nothing unusual to say that we have now entered the final phase,” he told a press conference held in conjunction with the 2026 UMNO General Assembly here today.
Earlier, UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported as saying that it would be better for the 16th General Election (GE16) to be held earlier rather than waiting until Parliament’s term expires at the end of next year.
However, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said the coalition was prepared to face the election if Parliament’s current term ran its full course.
“In my view, it would be better if the general election were held earlier so that we can obtain the people’s mandate.
“But if the term continues until its expiry or full duration, we are also prepared to face it,” he said.
