Anwar acknowledged shortcomings by his administration that had led to frustration among Malaysians. While the economy grew 6 per cent last quarter and unemployment was low, Anwar said he “won’t deny” that Malaysians faced higher living costs.

“The economic numbers are not winning the hearts of the people,” Anwar said at the annual congress of his People’s Justice Party, or PKR. “I know some people are demanding, but reforms cannot be rushed, it has to be done in stages” and must take into account other parties in the ruling coalition, he said.

PKR and the Pakatan Harapan coalition led by Anwar have fared poorly in three consecutive state elections in Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan. The party lost control of Negeri Sembilan this month, going from holding the chief minister’s office to just two seats in the 36-seat assembly. Barisan Nasional, Anwar’s federal government partner and electoral rival, and its allies won supermajorities in Johor and Negeri Sembilan at Pakatan’s expense.

“The message of the people has been clear” following losses in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, Anwar said in Malacca state, which is due to hold its local election by January.

Anwar, 79, who was earlier reported to be considering calling a snap general election as soon as October this year, has indicated he is not in a rush to go to the polls after the recent setbacks. The national poll is due by February 2028.