COMMENT | While the whirlwind chatter surrounding recent Malaysian political developments is overwhelming, I would like to analyse five issues to provide a clearer perspective and examine the possible outcomes of the unfolding political saga.

Will there be a snap election this year?

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is in a race against time to boost his razor-thin majority. He had delayed the parliamentary sitting from March 9 to May 18 in the hope of having enough time to “buy” more support, but the plan fell through, and he is left hanging precariously on to the support of 113 out of 222 MPs.

If Muhyiddin fails to gain majority support before the next Parliament sitting scheduled for July 13, he may attempt to delay the sitting further. However, the same trick can no longer be used by October as the government has to present its 2021 Budget by then. Failure by the government to pass its budget would be considered a vote of no confidence as there will be no money for the government to spend in the coming year.

Muhyiddin has to now start thinking whether or not to call a snap election and seek legitimacy through the ballot box. Calling for an election is the last resort for Muhyiddin as it is highly likely that his party, Bersatu, will perform badly. But if he does not command the majority, he may be forced to go to the polls as he has little options beyond suspending parliament.

Muhyiddin is not the only one who is racing against the clock as the noose is tightening around former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak...