Malaysia poised for turmoil as Anwar makes bid for power

Bloomberg

Malaysia appeared poised for a new round of political turmoil after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim claimed to have enough support from lawmakers to form a government.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin denounced the move and challenged Anwar to prove his assertion, while saying his administration remains firmly in control. Key members of his coalition signed a joint statement to reaffirm support for the premier, although the leader of the United Malays
National Organisation — the largest in the ruling bloc — said “a few” members are supporting Anwar.
Malaysian politics has been wracked with instability this year following the collapse of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s government in February. While Muhyiddin eventually cobbled together a coalition and took office in March, he’s only managed to command a majority of a handful of votes in Malaysia’s 222-member parliament.
“I urge the people to reject the rash actions of some politicians who deliberately want to disrupt the political stability and the country’s economic recovery plan,” Muhyiddin said in a speech on Wednesday, in which he announced 10 billion ringgit ($2.4 billion) of additional stimulus measures.
Anwar, who cut a deal to succeed Mahathir after they shocked Malaysia with an election victory in 2018, has been looking for a way back to power ever since their coalition collapsed.
On Wednesday, he told reporters he amassed “a strong, formidable majority” and would soon have an audience with the king, who serves as head of state.
“We need a strong, stable government to run this country and to save the country,” Anwar said in a press conference.
The benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index extended declines after Anwar’s announcement to slide 0.6% to 1,496.48, the lowest close since September 10. The ringgit weakened 0.5%.
“Right now it’s a war of words,” said Bridget Welsh, honorary research associate
at the Asia Research Institute, University of Nottingham Malaysia. “We’re entering into another period of intense negotiation and fluidity in the political situation in Malaysia, and it hasn’t really stopped since February.”
Muhyiddin is unlikely to easily give up power, Welsh added. “I think he can learn the lesson from Mahathir: don’t resign.”