Malaysia’s Anwar Faces Key Test as First State Polls Loom
- Six state assemblies dissolving shortly, local polls to follow
- Ruling alliance must retain hold of 3 states, including Penang
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Less than a year since taking power, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his economic reform agenda will soon be put to the test during Malaysia’s first statewide elections under his unity government.
The Kelantan state assembly dissolved Thursday, paving the way for local polls to be held within 60 days. Five states will closely follow suit, with the contests shaping up as a referendum on Anwar since he took office in the wake of Malaysia’s most divisive general election. Anwar’s alliance controls three of the six poll-bound states.