Anwar Floats Snap Malaysia Poll as Coalition Tensions Deepen

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim raised the prospect of a snap general election as jockeying within the country’s ruling alliance further tested his weakening position and raised questions about the country’s political stability.

The Barisan Nasional bloc, led by United Malays National Organisation, said Saturday it would contest all 56 seats in the upcoming Johor state election without Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition, its federal ally. The move prompted Anwar to warn his bloc was prepared for a “full-scale” electoral fight if challenged, including in other states.