Voters in Malaysia have supported the political status quo in crucial regional elections, granting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition and the conservative opposition control of three states each.
The election on Saturday in six of Malaysia’s 13 states was widely regarded as a referendum on Anwar’s leadership and the strength of the opposition, which includes the religious conservative Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), following a divisive general election in November.
Data from the Election Commission revealed that Anwar’s multiethnic Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance emerged victorious in the three states it previously held: Selangor and Penang, which are the country’s wealthiest, as well as Negeri Sembilan.
The results also indicated that the PAS-backed Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance maintained its control over the heartland states of Kedah, Kelantan, and northern Terengganu.
Anwar expressed his satisfaction with the results during a late-night press conference and called for unity.
“This is the people’s decision. We must respect this decision,” stated the prime minister.
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