Malaysian PM calls for early election

Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob called for an early election on Monday, hoping to win a stronger mandate for his party and stabilise the rocky political landscape that has plagued the country over the last four years.

The ruling party’s rush for an election comes as the economy, still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, has begun to feel the pinch of rising costs and a global slowdown.

An election was not due until September 2023, but Ismail has been under increasing pressure from some factions of his ruling coalition to hold the vote earlier due to infighting, Reuters reported.

In a televised speech, Ismail said the country’s monarch had agreed to his request to dissolve parliament on Monday, and the election commission would announce an election date. Polls must be held within 60 days of the dissolution of parliament. Voter turnout could be reduced if the chosen date falls during the year-end monsoon season.

Malaysian PM Sabri said he was calling for the election to end questions over the legitimacy of his government and return the mandate to the people.

“The people’s mandate is a powerful antidote for the country to manifest political stability and create a strong, stable and respected government after the general election,” Ismail said.

The election commission did not have an immediate comment.