Malaysians, on Saturday, started voting for a new government after four years of political instability.
The country has been governed by three prime ministers since a febrile election with a record turnout was fought four years ago on the key issue of corruption, CNN reported.
Voters have come out braving storms and drizzle, in a race where three coalitions vie for power.
One of the main coalitions is the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition led by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Yakoob came into power last year. The coalition is made up of right-wing political parties including the dominant United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). The BN coalition, last year, faced public anger over the government's handling of the pandemic. This time, they have promised to prioritise political stability.
97-year-old Mahathir Mohamad, who was the PM in 2018 is also seeking to be re-elected. The nonagenarian who was ousted by his own party in 2020, was recently hospitalized with a heart condition.
Mohamad is running from the resort island of Langkawi, which he hopes to retain as he enjoys strong local support. He also recently formed the ethnic Malay alliance Gerakan Tanah Air, or Homeland Movement. But despite this, experts say, he is unlikely to return as prime minister.
Also vying for the top job is Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan, which won the last election in May 2018. Analysts have predicted Ibrahim could take the most seats in parliament but fail to reach the majority needed to form a government, Reuters reported.
The main issues of contention are a rise in the cost of living, climate change, and unemployment, which is nearing 4 per cent.