Malaysia state polls: how a ‘wave of discontent’ in Selangor could drive referendum on PM Anwar’s unity government
- Results of the contest in Malaysia’s richest state could carry weighty consequences for Anwar’s coalition, with Malays making up 60 per cent of voters
- A combination of a swing in Malay support and low turnout could present a real risk for Pakatan Harapan. Voters are also picky about candidate quality
Making his pitch to a small crowd gathered under the outpost’s two canopies, Azmin – vilified as a traitor by supporters of Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance – said there had been little reprieve for a general public who have faced escalating living costs Anwar’s unity government came to power following November’s general election.
“We must send a signal to Putrajaya. Enough with the drama and help the people,” Azmin said, his voice booming through the speakers.
“Otherwise, once we are done with the six state elections … not long after that we will find the light in Putrajaya,” he said to cheers from supporters, referring to Malaysia’s administrative capital.
Six of Malaysia’s 13 states will go to the polls on August 12 – the opposition-held states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu in the north and the pro-unity government states of Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Selangor, all on the Malay Peninsula.
The outcome of the state elections will have little direct bearing on Anwar’s hold on federal power, but is widely seen as his administration’s first real test of popularity, especially with the ethnic Malay majority, after he formed a government that included long-time rival Umno, which was roundly rejected by voters in the November contest.