Malaysia election 2022: tight race indicates hung parliament for first time ever

Both Anwar Ibrahim and Muhyiddin Yassin claimed to have the support to form government, though they did not disclose which parties they had allied with

Malaysia’s constitutional monarch may also get involved, as he has the power to appoint as Prime Minister a lawmaker whom he believes can command a majority

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Malaysia faces hung parliament in tight election race. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 9:30am, 20 Nov 2022Updated: 4:44pm, 20 Nov 2022

Malaysia’s political parties must each present the name of a lawmaker it thinks has the majority support in the lower house of parliament, the palace said on Sunday after no coalition secured a majority in Saturday’s general election.

The parties must submit names before 2pm (0600 GMT) on Monday, the palace said in a statement, adding that the king’s decision on the new government and appointment of the premier will be final, in line with the constitution. The ruler has the discretion to name the premier whom he believes commands the majority support of lawmakers.

The country’s rival blocs are seeking support from others to build a majority alliance to form a government. The king can appoint as prime minister a lawmaker he believes will command a majority in parliament.

The country is facing a hung parliament for the first time in its history.

Anwar Ibrahim speaks during a press conference on the official results of the Malaysian General Election. Photo: dpa

Long-time opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition won the most seats in Saturday’s general election, results from the Election Commission showed.