Opposition Forces in Power Play as Malaysian Election Looms

The Straits Times

16 February 2017

Joseph Liow Chin Yong

The next general election in Malaysia is not due until August next year. But the fact that Umno (United Malays National Organisation) branch and divisional meetings have been brought forward to this year has prompted speculation that Prime Minister Najib Razak may call the election later this year.

This would allow the incumbent Barisan Nasional coalition to capitalise on the anticipated celebratory mood come August when Malaysia celebrates 60 years of independence.

However, there are also factors that mitigate against prospects for an early election. Malaysia watchers would be quick to point out that in 2013, Mr Najib waited until the 11th hour to request the dissolution of Parliament (by the Malaysian King), paving the way for the 13th General Election.

… The writer is dean and professor of comparative and international politics at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at the Nanyang Technological University. S.E.A. View is a weekly column on South-east Asian affairs.

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