Ballot count underway as Malaysian leader Anwar seeks to shore up his rule in vital state elections

By EILEEN NG
Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Ballot counting is underway after voting ended in crucial state elections in Malaysia, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s multi-coalition government is seeking to strengthen its hold against a strong Islamic opposition. Nearly 9.8 million people, or about half the country’s electorate, are eligible to elect 245 assembly members in six states. The polls are widely viewed as an early referendum both on Anwar’s leadership and also the strength of the Islamist opposition after divisive general elections in November. If the opposition takes control of states led by Anwar’s bloc or otherwise has a strong showing in state polls, analysts say it will put pressure on Anwar and could rock his government’s stability.