Malaysia’s ruling coalition will face poll fight

Subject

Malaysian opposition's election strategy.

Significance

Malaysian prison authorities last week prevented a meeting between jailed People’s Justice Party (PKR) leader Anwar Ibrahim and former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad of the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (PPBM). The opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition on January 7 announced Mahathir as its candidate for the general election, with the proviso that he gives way to Anwar within one year of a poll win. The election must take place by August, but Prime Minister Najib Razak of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)-led Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition is yet to announce the date.

Impacts

• The re-delineation of electoral boundaries is likely to favour the incumbent government.
• Religion is likely to be a prominent feature of election campaigning.
• A Mahathir premiership following the poll would likely leave Malaysia’s fiscal and industrial policy unchanged.