King could step in if Malaysia parliament cannot choose leader

Robert Besser
23 Nov 2022, 14:17 GMT+10

Malaysia is facing a hung parliament for the first time in its history
Political uncertainty ads to the issues facing Malaysia, such as slowing economic growth and rising inflation
The country has had three prime ministers in three years

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: As support for a conservative Islamic alliance prevented major coalitions from winning a simple majority in its general election, Malaysia is facing a hung parliament for the first time in its history.

Political uncertainty ads to the issues facing Malaysia, such as slowing economic growth and rising inflation.

The country has had three prime ministers in three years.

Malaysia's constitutional monarch has the power to appoint as Prime Minister a lawmaker who can command a majority, and may feel it necessary to get involved if there is a political deadlock.

Results from the Election Commission showed that opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's coalition won the most seats in the weekend general election.

Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin also led his Perikatan Nasional bloc, a Malay-centric conservative party and an Islamist party that has touted shariah or Islamic law, attained a strong showing.

Both Anwar and Muhyiddin claimed to have the support to form a government, and Anwar said he hoped to finish discussions within days.

His alliance is a junior partner in incumbent Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's ruling coalition.

Anwar said he would submit a letter to Malaysia's King Al-Sultan Abdullah detailing his party's support.

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