Two Malaysian States Hold Snap Elections, Testing Anwar's Popularity
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition faces a test of public support as two states call for snap elections this week, exposing internal tensions and sparking speculation that a general election could be held early.
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- 📰 Published: June 5, 2026 at 15:46
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(Central News Agency, Kuala Lumpur, 5th, Combined Foreign Reports) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition is facing a test of public support. This week, two states announced the holding of snap elections, not only exposing internal tensions within the government but also sparking speculation that a general election could be called early.
According to Reuters, two allied parties within Anwar Ibrahim's national ruling coalition lead the state governments of Negeri Sembilan and Johor respectively. The state assemblies of these two states dissolved on the 5th and the 1st respectively and will hold elections within 60 days.
While these two state elections will not directly affect Anwar's majority in parliament, a major defeat could weaken his coalition's chances in the general election, which must be held by early 2028 at the latest. Anwar stated last month that he would consider calling an early general election if internal disagreements within the government continue to widen.
Anwar's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the 5th.
Anwar's ruling coalition consists of his own Pakatan Harapan, former rival Barisan Nasional, and several other smaller parties.
How this multi-ethnic, Muslim-majority country handles ethnic and religious issues has led to divisions within the ruling coalition, and more progressive allies within the coalition are increasingly dissatisfied with the slow pace of government reforms.
Additionally, the states of Malacca and Sarawak are also expected to hold state elections in the coming months. The Election Commission, responsible for setting election dates, stated that if a general election is held early, it could be synchronized with the state elections, helping to save election costs. (Editor: Chen Yuting) 1150605
According to Reuters, two allied parties within Anwar Ibrahim's national ruling coalition lead the state governments of Negeri Sembilan and Johor respectively. The state assemblies of these two states dissolved on the 5th and the 1st respectively and will hold elections within 60 days.
While these two state elections will not directly affect Anwar's majority in parliament, a major defeat could weaken his coalition's chances in the general election, which must be held by early 2028 at the latest. Anwar stated last month that he would consider calling an early general election if internal disagreements within the government continue to widen.
Anwar's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the 5th.
Anwar's ruling coalition consists of his own Pakatan Harapan, former rival Barisan Nasional, and several other smaller parties.
How this multi-ethnic, Muslim-majority country handles ethnic and religious issues has led to divisions within the ruling coalition, and more progressive allies within the coalition are increasingly dissatisfied with the slow pace of government reforms.
Additionally, the states of Malacca and Sarawak are also expected to hold state elections in the coming months. The Election Commission, responsible for setting election dates, stated that if a general election is held early, it could be synchronized with the state elections, helping to save election costs. (Editor: Chen Yuting) 1150605