Malaysia's Cabinet Unable To Agree On GE15 Date Despite Pressure From UMNO Chief

Malaysia's Cabinet could not reach consensus over the preferred date of the next general election during the meeting held Wednesday, unnamed sources told Malaysia Star, adding that ministers from different political groups held opposing views on the matter.

• "The ministers from Barisan Nasional wanted for the general election to be called as soon as possible but have left [the decision] to Prime Minister Ismail Sabri [...] However, the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia ministers want the Prime Minister to consult the Cabinet."
• Another source noted that PAS ministers did not want elections during the flood season and "had even declared that they will not be dissolving the state assemblies of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu until March 2023 as these states are under their administration."
• Sources close to the Prime Minister's Office told the Star that Ismail Sabri is "keeping the date of dissolution of the Parliament, if he has decided, very close to his chest. No one knows but him."
• The Premier is under pressure from many of his UMNO colleagues to call a snap poll and Party President Zahid has brushed away concerns about the risks posed by holding an election during the monsoon season, expected to begin in November.
• The 14th Parliament will automatically dissolve on 16 July 2023 if the Prime Minister does not call a snap election. Most state assemblies traditionally dissolve around the same time as the federal legislature, but they are under no legal obligation to do so.
• The next key dates will be September 30, when top five UMNO leaders will meet to discuss the election, and October 7, when the government will present Budget 2023.