The Malaysian prime minister reconsiders snap election plans as state poll defeats, stalled reforms and rival alliances threaten coalition
3-MIN READ3-MINBloombergPublished: 12:12pm, 27 Aug 2026Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is looking to push back national elections until the second half of next year, people familiar with the matter said, as state poll defeats and soured partnerships reveal his political vulnerability.That time frame would mark a significant delay. Just months ago, the 79-year-old leader was said to be mulling a snap election as soon as this October, perceiving his greatest risk at the time to be rising fuel prices.
Another consideration is the expected boost to public sentiment when Malaysia hosts the Southeast Asian Games in September 2027, said one of the people.
No final decision had been made on the timing of the next general election, the people said. Anwar’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
The premier told parliament last month that his government should complete a full term to safeguard political stability and economic growth. “So, let us work. We have a mandate,” he said. “When the election comes, then we can battle it out. I have no issue with that.”
