KUALA LUMPUR: There is no indication from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that the 16th General Election will be held this year, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, who is also the coalition’s communications director, said the Prime Minister had instead stressed that the government’s efforts to address and resolve the people’s problems must continue.
“There is no indication from the Prime Minister, but he has reminded leaders and Members of Parliament to always be prepared for any possibility.
“This includes state elections such as in Johor. While we know Johor may face elections, perhaps not now, but it is not impossible in the not-too-distant future.
“The focus of leaders, especially those serving in the Cabinet, is to ensure that our plans to bring about change and reform can be implemented as effectively as possible,” he said when met after the Lembah Pantai Teachers’ Day celebration on Thursday (May 14).
Fahmi said the coalition’s national convention in Johor this weekend is expected to set its electoral tone, amid speculation over early state elections in Johor and Melaka.
He said Anwar, who is also the coalition chairman, is expected to outline its direction at the convention, which will guide election preparations and seat negotiations at both state and national levels.
“In his message, we will receive the direction amid speculation surrounding the possibility of state elections in Johor, Melaka and beyond.
“Certainly, the address from the coalition’s top leadership will set the framework that will subsequently guide the election machinery at both state and national levels in terms of preparations and seat negotiations,” he said.
