COMMENT | On June 1, a public holiday to commemorate the birthday of the king who hails from Johor, the Johor state assembly was dissolved with the consent of the regent, with polls to be held within 60 days, the menteri besar announced.

What does this mean for Umno’s position in the Madani government, not just at the Johor polls where it looks like they will contest all seats, but for the parliamentary election and other state polls? And when are they going to be called? Simultaneously?

Given that the economic situation can worsen if the Iran war is prolonged and oil prices remain unsustainably high, would Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim call an early election? Or will he complete his term, which would give Parti Bersama Malaysia time to organise itself?

The Madani government can decide for Parliament and all the states it controls in Peninsular Malaysia, but it can’t for those controlled by Perikatan Nasional, who may not want to play ball. And what about Malacca and Negeri Sembilan?

The burning question is...