Malaysia election 2022: Anwar ‘very optimistic’ about leading coalition government with corruption-tainted rivals

Anwar Ibrahim ‘pleased’ with Monday’s coalition talks between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, during which leaders said ‘stability’ was a priority

The multiracial PH and the BN bloc, anchored by ethno-nationalist Umno, have opposing ideologies but have been in talks since Muhyiddin’s PN made gains in the election

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Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s opposition leader (centre) speaks during a news conference on November 21. Anwar, who has come tantalisingly close to leading Malaysia during his tumultuous political career, is suddenly on the cusp of clinching the top job but a final hurdle stands in his way. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 9:53pm, 21 Nov 2022Updated: 12:45am, 22 Nov 2022

Malaysia’s reformist opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Monday said he was “very optimistic” of leading a coalition government with corruption-tainted arch-rivals, a move that could stymie efforts by another contender, Muhyiddin Yassin, to become prime minister after a deadlocked election.

Following Saturday’s vote – which resulted in a hung parliament – initial expectations were that Muhyiddin was in pole position to become prime minister as his Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance was seen as most likely to cobble together a simple majority.

Anwar’s multiracial Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance won 82 seats while PN – which includes the hardline Islamist PAS party – won 73 seats. The incumbent Barisan Nasional (BN) ruling coalition led by Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, won just 30 seats.

The multiracial PH and the BN bloc, anchored by the ethno-nationalist United Malays National Organisation (Umno), have diametrically opposing ideologies but Zahid and Anwar on Monday led a meeting of both sides’ top leaders.

Umno President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is facing dozens of corruption charges, has come under intense internal pressure following Saturday’s vote, with some dissenters suggesting he should bear the responsibility for its poor showing and resign immediately. Photo: AP

The various alliances’ leaders must submit their respective prime ministerial nominees to the National Palace by 2pm on Tuesday, after an initial Monday deadline was extended.