Anwar says ready to call GE and ‘fight’ BN after it signals intent to go solo in Johor – CNA

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that he is considering calling a general election in the near term following an announcement by Barisan Nasional (BN) that it intends to contest the upcoming Johor state elections independently.

The announcement was made during a Pakatan Harapan (PH) convention held on May 17, 2026, at the Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru. Anwar, who also serves as the president of the PKR party, stated that he was “not surprised” by the decision from BN, which is a partner in the current unity government.

Unity Government Strain

The decision by Barisan Nasional to go solo in the southern state has introduced significant tension into the governing partnership. During his keynote address, Anwar characterized the move as a potential breach of the coalition’s cooperation.

Anwar suggested that Barisan Nasional’s announcement that it would go solo in contesting upcoming Johor state polls was akin to threats that could amount to “betrayal” to their unity government partnership. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

The Prime Minister warned that if BN persists in its decision to avoid collaboration in Johor, PH is prepared to shift its electoral strategy. Anwar noted that PH is ready to contest all state poll seats not only in Johor but also in other states, including Pahang, Penang, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan.

PH Election Machinery Launch

The convention in Johor Bahru served as the formal launch of the Pakatan Harapan state election machinery. As part of the proceedings, the coalition handed over the state election kit to prepare for the upcoming polls.

Key leadership figures present at the launch included:

• Anwar Ibrahim, President of PKR and Prime Minister of Malaysia
• Mohamad Sabu, President of Amanah
• Anthony Loke, Secretary-General of the DAP

The potential for a snap general election remains a possibility if the fractures within the unity government deepen, according to the Prime Minister’s statements on May 17, 2026.