Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers his speech at the Pakatan Harapan Convention 2026 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru on May 17, 2026. — Bernama pic
(New users only) It’s tax relief season! Get up to RM300 when you save with Versa! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply.
By Ben Tan
Sunday, 17 May 2026 5:36 PM MYT
JOHOR BAHRU, May 17 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warned political partners in national unity government today that he is prepared to call for an early general election if their political “intimidation” and threats persist.
Speaking at the 2026 Pakatan Harapan (PH) Convention here, Anwar, who is the PH chairman, directly referenced the ongoing state-level tensions, escalating the situation to a national scale.
“If it is true that they feel it is time for the election to take place in Johor, we will continue in Negeri Sembilan, and perhaps the people can decide for the whole of Malaysia,” he said in his keynote address.
Anwar also said the ruling coalition would not hesitate to hold a snap general election if pressure mounted following Johor Barisan Nasional’s (BN) and Umno’s decision yesterday.
“We were surprised by their decision to contest in all state constituencies in the state.
“For us, it is not something new as we have been monitoring the situation for some time,” he said, adding that it was ultimately Johor BN’s decision.
Anwar said PH’s relationship with BN remained good.
However, he indicated that PH would also challenge those attempting to intimidate the coalition.
“Today PH has decided to respond firmly, and we will contest in all constituencies in Johor and Negeri Sembilan,” he said, adding that PH could also contest all state seats in Selangor, Penang and Pahang if necessary.
However, Anwar, who is also the Tambun MP, said PH would only take a firm stance against parties that initiated pressure tactics against the ruling coalition.
“If we want to practice stable politics to save the country, we should have the wisdom to negotiate well and be patient.
“There is still room for discussion before any decision will be made.”
Anwar said he would hold further negotiations with PH leadership in Johor and other states.
However, he cautioned that a nationwide general election could become necessary if ties with certain state-level partners deteriorate further.
Yesterday, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that Johor BN would contest all 56 state constituencies in the upcoming state election.
He reportedly said the decision was made after taking into account the views of Johoreans as well as grassroots leaders from Umno and the state BN.