Najib May Avoid Calling Early Malaysia Election After Protests
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Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak may avoid calling an early election this year after police clashed with thousands of opposition-backed activists July 9, signaling a rise in political risk in the Southeast Asian nation.
Police detained 1,697 people as demonstrators protesting against what they call unfair voting practices marched on Kuala Lumpur landmarks including Merdeka Stadium and the king’s palace. Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections chief Ambiga Sreenevasan was among those held, and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was injured when tear gas was fired, local media reported.