CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has indicated that there is no pressing need for snap polls, citing current economic and geopolitical uncertainties and the need for governments to focus on governance and development.
Commenting on recent remarks by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Chow said Malaysia is currently operating in a challenging global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain pressures, and rising costs driven by international conflicts and tariff-related issues.
“We understand that the country is in a highly challenging phase due to changes in global geopolitics that have already affected the world, including Malaysia, since last year,” he said when asked by a reporter at the George Town Heritage Celebration 2026 press conference.
He added that external factors such as escalating tariff concerns and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have further strained global energy and resource markets, creating knock-on effects for the domestic economy.
Against this backdrop, Chow said the federal leadership appears focused on stabilising the nation and addressing immediate development priorities rather than calling for early elections.
“In this situation, I believe the prime minister wants to give attention to national development, address these issues, and strengthen the country’s position,” he said.
Chow also noted that the current electoral cycles across Malaysia do not indicate urgency for simultaneous elections. He pointed out that while the federal government still has around one and a half years remaining in its term, several states also have sufficient time left in their mandates.
“At this stage, I read that there may not be a need for a sudden general election, and the remaining time should be used to focus on national issues and development,” he said.
In Penang, Chow stressed that the state government aligns with this pragmatic approach, prioritising stability and policy continuity over political disruption.
“We will follow whatever decision is made and do what is best for the state and the country. In Penang, we still have about two and a half years left, and there is no strong pressure for a snap election,” he added.