Malaysia opposition gains support in threat to PM Anwar in regional polls

Malaysia’s conservative Muslim opposition is confident of making gains against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government in upcoming regional polls, as it woos more of the country’s majority Malays, its leader Muhyiddin Yassin said on Thursday.
Six of Malaysia’s thirteen states will hold elections on Aug. 12 in what is seen as a referendum on Anwar’s eight-month-old administration. Gains by the Muhyiddin-led opposition alliance could weaken the government and spook investors.
In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Muhyiddin said his Perikatan Nasional alliance – formed three years ago – has seen rising support since the November general election in which it came a close second to Anwar’s bloc.
Malaysia is a multi-racial, multi-faith country with ethnic-Malay Muslims accounting for over 60% of the population. Ethnic Indians and Chinese form sizeable minorities.