PUCHONG, June 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said he would have preferred Johor to delay its state election by a few months to allow the government to focus on economic recovery and addressing people’s concerns.
Anwar said he had urged leaders within the federal government to concentrate on economic issues and bread-and-butter matters affecting the rakyat before turning their attention to electoral contests.
“We had time. I felt we should spend these two or three months fully focused on recovery efforts before holding elections.
“However, because Johor wanted to proceed quickly, we have had to go through the process,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Meranti in Puchong.
Anwar noted that Johor’s decision to press ahead left Pakatan Harapan (PH) with little choice but to prepare for the polls at short notice.
The prime minister added that preparations for both the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections were under way following the dissolution of the latter’s state assembly last night.
The Johor State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 1, paving the way for the state election to be held within 60 days.
In the 2022 Johor state election, Barisan Nasional won 40 seats, PH secured 12, Perikatan Nasional won three, while Muda captured one.
Separately, Anwar backed the Negeri Sembilan government’s decision to dissolve the state legislative assembly, saying the move was necessary to prevent prolonged uncertainty amid issues involving the state’s royal institution.
He said disputes concerning the monarchy should be resolved through proper legal and constitutional channels, warning that challenges involving a ruler could have significant implications for national stability.
“That is why I fully support the Menteri Besar’s position that, given the confusion and uncertainty surrounding this matter, the best course of action is to hold an election, and Tuanku has consented to that,” he said.
Anwar added that the election would provide a clear path forward for the state administration while avoiding further complications arising from the ongoing dispute.
