Malaysia’s ruling coalition committed to staying united until ‘end of its term’: minister

Malaysia’s unity government will remain intact until the end of its term amid speculation of snap elections, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.“Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Gabungan Parti Sarawak have given their commitment that they will support this government till the end of its term,” Fahmi said on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting.“This commitment reflects the priority given to the interests of the people and the country, while enabling the government to focus fully on efforts to address economic challenges arising from the crisis in the Middle East. It also ensures that the welfare of the people continues to be safeguarded.”The remarks are aimed at easing concerns over the stability of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration after he earlier raised the prospect of a snap general election as tensions grew within the ruling alliance ahead of a state vote in Johor.Rafizi Ramli (right) and Nik Nazmi announce their takeover of Bersama on Sunday. Photo: Facebook/Rafizi RamliThe speculation was further fuelled by the resignations of former ministers Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, both from Anwar’s People’s Justice Party.Asked if the possibility of a snap election was discussed at the cabinet meeting, Fahmi, who belongs to Anwar’s ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, said the matter was touched upon briefly.“The prime minister had previously spoken on this matter during the PH convention on Sunday and informed the cabinet about it,” he said.“This relates to what I mentioned earlier regarding the commitment shown by component parties, which reiterated their support for the unity government until the end of its term.”Anwar said during the PH convention that a snap general election could take place if cracks continued to emerge within the unity government.01:00How SOLS Foundation solar initiatives help break the cycle of poverty in MalaysiaMeanwhile, when asked whether the resignations of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi were discussed, Fahmi said no specific discussions had taken place.Further Reading“We were only briefed on preparations for the [parliamentary] sitting, which will begin on June 22, including the fact that two former MPs had vacated their seats. That was all that was communicated,” he said.The government still controls a supermajority of 151 seats in the House of Representatives with backing from coalition allies including Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.Malaysia’s next general election must be held by February 17, 2028.