PUTRAJAYA: There is no need for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to give in to calls for early dissolution of Parliament, as long as he continues to command majority support in the Dewan Rakyat, says Anthony Loke.
“Following the recent state elections in Johor and Negri Sembilan, we have heard a great deal of news and voices from various parties and quarters pressuring the Prime Minister to dissolve Parliament and pave the way for the 16th general election,” the DAP secretary-general said at the Wanita DAP national congress here on Sunday (Sept 6).
However, the Transport Minister said his party’s position is that there is no need for Anwar to dissolve Parliament as there are 15 months before the expiry of the current term in December 2027.
“We have the remaining 15 months to complete the reforms,” Loke said while expressing support for Anwar.
Loke said the unity government was formed based on the agreement after the 15th General Election in 2022.
He said the series of state elections were held due to the dissolution of their respective assemblies.
However, there is no need to call for a general election at this juncture as there is still time before the expiry of the current parliament term, he said.
On component parties within the ruling government trading barbs publicly, he said politicking is different from governing, adding that none of the component parties had quit the government.
“ As long as every party still sticks to the government, then in terms of governance, we should be able to govern the country,” he said.
There is no problem. That doesn't mean that there is no politicking. Nobody can stop any political parties or politicians from politicking,” he added.
He said DAP has not decided on working with Barisan Nasional for the Melaka state elections, adding that the party is not involved in the negotiations between Pakatan Harapan elections director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Melaka Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
It was reported recently that Barisan Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had voiced support for an earlier 16th General Election.
Responding to this, Anwar said the calls could be considered,
The Prime Minister said the government is currently prioritising efforts to revive the economy, improve the people’s well-being, and combat corruption and abuse of power.
