Malaysia's new PM faces poll test

Malaysia’s new Prime Minister, Najib Razak, is facing his first major test, as voters cast their ballots in three local by-elections.

One parliament seat and two state seats are being contested, but the results are also being seen as an indication of support in Mr Najib’s leadership.

Mr Najib took office on Friday, to replace former leader Abdullah Badawi.

He has already pledged far-reaching reforms to revive the government’s flagging popularity.

About 100,000 voters are eligible to vote in the three polls – for a national parliament seat in Bukit Gantang in Perak state, and two state parliament seats in Kedah and Sarawak.

Tensions are high, and minor scuffles have been reported between rival sides.

The election in Perak is particularly tense, as Mr Najib had a leading role in a campaign to oust the opposition-led state government there earlier this year.

The ruling National Front coalition received a welcome boost on Monday, when former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad arrived in Perak to publicly back Mr Najib.

The National Front’s biggest challenge comes from the opposition People’s Alliance, a three-party coalition led by Anwar Ibrahim.

Big challenges

Mr Najib has taken over as Malaysia’s leader at a time when the country and its coalition government, which has ruled since 1957, are facing big challenges.

The Malaysian economy is suffering, and last year the main ruling party, Umno, suffered a poor election showing, leading to the decision of the previous prime minister, Abdullah Badawi, to resign.

Shortly after taking office, Mr Najib announced an ambitious agenda to reform the party, focusing on the economy and repairing ties between the ethnic Malay population and the nation’s Chinese and Indian minorities.

Malaysia’s new PM faces poll test

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Tags: Malaysia, prime minister