Malaysians vote in elections as old party, reformers clash

Voting was underway Saturday in Malaysia’s tightly contested national election that will determine whether its long-ruling coalition can make a comeback after its stunning defeat four years ago.
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s reformist bloc is forecast to lead — but with three main blocs vying for votes and many fence-sitters, analysts said the outcome is hard to predict and could see new alliances formed if there is no clear majority in Parliament.
“I’m early today just to cast my right as a citizen to select the PM who can bring stability,” said school lecturer Adib Omar as he waited in line to vote. He said Malaysia’s new leader must be able to unite the various races and bring the country forward.
Nearly 60% of 21.1 million Malaysians have voted by early afternoon to pick 222 lawmakers in federal Parliament and representatives in three state legislatures. Results are expected later Saturday. Some 6 million new voters since 2018 polls are adding to uncertainties in the tight race.