Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has downplayed calls for an early election, citing a rise in food prices and other living costs, Nikkei reported today.

An election is not due until 2023 but Ismail Sabri has been facing pressure from some in his party to call an early vote to capitalise on Umno’s resurgent popularity in recent state polls.

The prime minister told Nikkei in an interview that he will wait for "the right time" to call an election, given inflationary pressures partly stemming from the Ukraine conflict.