#Opinion

Into 2026, it is very evident that there is more rift among the parties within his coalition government than unity.

The public verbal sparring between Umno and DAP especially is not to be taken lightly anymore.

The recent announcement made by Umno and Pakatan Harapan that both are prepared to go independently in the coming states’ elections in Johor, Melaka and others is a clear indication that there is little or none tolerance within the Madani government.

While the top leaders in the Pakatan Harapan coalition keep saying that all is fine at the federal level,  the optics and perception on the ground radiates a different frequency.

Stretching the next general election beyond the next six months may not be all that strategic anymore.

The tide is running against the current government. With the protracted Middle East conflict, the economy may turn unfavourable for the prime minister.

Public is getting restless by the day as cost of living is increasing steadily over the months and are bracing for the worst in coming months.

Above that the political heat is rising and there seem to be very little space left for the prime minister to keep his coalition partners composed.

Thus it is best that Anwar Ibrahim calls for the next general election latest by the third quarter as he still has a fair bit of control over the rising impatience in his partners.

Let the public decide if they are still favorable of having him continue into the second term.

It’s high time Anwar Ibrahim puts his ears very close to the ground directly,  rather than listening only to his internal advisors.

Narinder Pal Singh, a former editor and veteran journalist, shares his views and analysis on Malaysian politics and current affairs.