Conservative opposition's rise in Malaysia pressures Anwar

State election results deal heavy blow to governing coalition

20230814 Supporters of Perikatan Nasional

Opposition supporters at a campaign rally in July. Many observers point to rising nationalism and religiosity among ethnic Malays for a rightward shift in the country's politics. (Photo by Norman Goh)

NORMAN GOH, Nikkei staff writer

August 14, 2023 18:15 JST

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's conservative opposition chalked up a big win in state elections on Saturday, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's liberal-leaning government inaugurated last year.

State assembly votes were held in six of the country's 13 states, with the ruling and opposition camps retaining control in three states each.