Malaysia GE15 Guessing Game Continues

Determining the right time for the next general election is a challenge and many factors have to be considered before it is called, Malaysia's Prime Minister Ismail Sabri told reporters.

• "With three changes in the government since 2018, it is better to give the people the opportunity to elect a new government. But there are matters that still need to be worked on and resolved, particularly the economy."
• The Prime Minister suggested that controversy over the procurement of six navy frigates could see the election delayed. He signalled that UMNO wants to avoid a repeat of the 2018 poll, when the 1MDB scandal contributed to the ouster of a Barisan Nasional administration.
• Ismail Sabri, who doubles as UMNO Vice President played down rumours of his alleged conflict with the ruling party's leader Zahid and described their relationship as close. He added that he would not wait with calling a snap election until court cases involving senior UMNO officers (including Zahid) are concluded.