Two prominent ⁠former Malaysian ministers said on ⁠Sunday they would vacate their parliamentary seats ⁠and resign from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition party to join a small party that they would take over.

The move by Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who resigned from cabinet last year after losing leadership posts in internal party elections, ‌could create a challenge for Anwar, amid speculation of an early election this year. The next general election is not due until 2028, but two lawmakers told journalists in March it could be called as early as July, to coincide with several state polls.

In an address on Sunday to a leadership convention of his coalition ⁠party Pakatan Harapan, Anwar said he would consider calling a snap general election if the undermining ‌of relationships within the unity government continues.

The unity government is made up of a coalition of parties including Barisan Nasional as well as Pakatan Harapan and others.

“The ‌date [of a general election] is the Prime Minister’s decision but I must listen to ⁠the advice and [the views] of friends,” he said, adding that his coalition would contest the elections in all states.

Is Rafizi a potential successor?