Malaysia politicians ramp up promises ahead of tight weekend poll

Coalitions led by Ismail Sabri and Anwar fear losing seats in upcoming vote

Malaysian Prime Minister, center, has pledged to create a deputy prime minister post to be helmed by a leader from Sarawak State in a bid to woo voters from Borneo. (Photo by Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

CK TAN, Nikkei staff writer

November 16, 2022 13:13 JST

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysian political leaders are pledging to sacrifice their salaries, provide wider internet coverage and dish out ministerial posts in the run-up to one of the tightest general elections in years on Saturday.

"In terms of commitment to look after Sarawak, nothing compares to the [National Front] government," Prime Minister Ismail Sabri told voters on Monday, pledging new infrastructure projects to improve online connectivity and highways on the resource-rich island of Borneo.