PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man believes this is not the right time to hold the 16th General Election (GE16), citing a challenging global and domestic environment, and suggests that state elections in Melaka and Johor be held first.
Speaking to reporters at Wisma Sri Pahang, Tuan Ibrahim said the government should instead channel its energy into managing and stabilising the country.
“Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising living costs and fuel price increases have created a challenging environment. Perhaps state elections in Melaka and Johor can proceed first,” he said.
State polls to test political winds
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) deputy chairman said that if state elections are held soon in Johor, Melaka and potentially Negri Sembilan, the results would be closely watched by all political parties.
“The three-state elections will serve as an indicator of public support for Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Harapan. The current situation is not favourable for the government, as it faces significant challenges,” he said.
His remarks followed reports that communications minister Fahmi Fadzil had stated that the prime minister had not given any indication that GE16 would be called this year, with attention currently focused on potential state polls.
PN ready to mobilise despite GE16 denials
In a separate statement made in Kota Baru, Tuan Ibrahim said PN was prepared to face any election scenario, regardless of the government’s repeated assurances that GE16 was not imminent.
He said he believed the government was, in reality, uncertain about its level of public support, despite the prime minister expressing confidence in the unity government.
“I am confident the government is actually afraid and unconvinced of the support it currently has. Although the prime minister has stated that support for the government is improving, the reality is otherwise. As for PN, we are ready to mobilise the party’s strength to face any possibility,” said the Kubang Kerian member of parliament.
Melaka seen as the true benchmark
Tuan Ibrahim said many political parties viewed Melaka as a particularly significant bellwether ahead of the next general election.
“I believe most political parties want to make Melaka, in particular, a benchmark of the people’s support,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahmi, who also serves as PH communications director, confirmed that the coalition was gearing up for possible state elections.
He said PH’s upcoming national convention on May 17 in Johor would serve as the official launchpad for the coalition’s election machinery, and would help set its strategic direction ahead of potential polls in Johor and Melaka.
