Malaysia PM reckons economic risks may spur election this year

Ismail Sabri says waiting until 2023 could 'backfire' on government

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Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob speaks with Nikkei Asia and selected media outlets at his office on Aug. 22. (Courtesy of Malaysian Prime Minister's Office)

P PREM KUMAR, Nikkei staff writer

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia -- Global economic pressures could accelerate the timeline for Malaysia's next election, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob suggested in an interview on Monday, a year after he took the reins of government.

"If the economy is not going to be good, we cannot drag [the election] until next year or it would backfire on the government," he told Nikkei Asia and other selected international media outlets.

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