Malaysia’s Coalition Tensions Deepen as Anwar Floats Snap Poll

Fresh strains are emerging in Malaysia’s ruling alliance as political jockeying and oneupmanship among the coalition’s parties led Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to raise the prospect of a snap general election if divisions deepen.

The Barisan Nasional bloc led by United Malays National Organisation, said Saturday it would contest all 56 seats in the upcoming Johor state election without its federal ally, Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition. The move prompted Anwar to warn that Pakatan Harapan was prepared for a “full-scale” electoral fight if challenged, including in other states.