KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali should refrain from acting as a ‘political soothsayer’ by predicting a snap election at the end of the year and instead focus on serving the people, an analyst said.
Speaking to Scoop, political observer Mohammad Tawfiq Yaakub said Azmin’s claims that the general election (GE) would be held later this year could create public anxiety and were an attempt to undermine the country’s current political stability.
Tawfiq, a senior lecturer at Universiti Malaya’s (UM) Department of Political Science, described Azmin’s remarks as a repetitive political strategy aimed at unsettling the government.
“I see Azmin Ali as someone who constantly seeks publicity and wants to remain relevant in national politics. That is why he makes statements that attract public attention.
“He (Azmin) does not need to be a ‘political soothsayer’ predicting the dissolution date and speculating on an impending election.
“It is better to refer to the Federal Constitution, which clearly states who has the authority to determine Parliament’s dissolution and call for an election.
“He should focus on his duties as a representative of the people rather than causing unease among the public and investors who are increasingly confident in the country’s political stability,” he said when contacted by Scoop.
Recently, Azmin, who is also the Selangor opposition leader, said Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had instructed the party’s machinery to mobilise immediately in preparation for a possible snap election by year-end.
Azmin said that Muhyiddin had also directed an audit of the party’s machinery strength across all states, particularly in key parliamentary and state assembly constituencies.
This is not the first time Azmin has made such claims. In November 2024, he similarly suggested that a snap election could take place before the end of the Madani government’s term.
Commenting further, Tawfiq stressed that the Prime Minister holds the prerogative to advise and seek the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) for Parliament’s dissolution under Article 40(1) and Article 55(2) of the Federal Constitution.
“Only the Prime Minister, representing the Cabinet, has the right to determine the dissolution date after obtaining the YDPA’s consent,” he said.
As such, Tawfiq urged politicians to allow the government to complete its full term and give the Prime Minister and Cabinet the necessary space to carry out their duties in accordance with constitutional guidelines.
“The people are still fatigued from the recent general and by-elections. Focus should be on their welfare rather than constant politicking.
“I also do not see a snap election happening, as the current government still has more than two years left to govern,” he added.
Meanwhile, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin was reported as saying that Azmin’s remarks on a snap election were merely a political gimmick.
The Defence Minister said the claim appeared to be an attempt to draw public attention to the opposition.
“I believe they want something that will keep the public focused on them, but all political parties will be prepared for any situation.
“What I know is that many government programmes are just getting started… we should wait for the outcomes of these initiatives.
“Moreover, we need to utilise the current mandate to continue developing the country. If elections are held every two to three years, we will not progress,” he said. – February 11, 2025