Malaysia: Opposition wins in general election May 9 /update 3

Event

Pakatan Harapan, the Malaysian opposition coalition, reportedly won in the Malaysian general election on Wednesday, May 9, with former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad expected to assume the post again. According to the Malaysian election commission, Pakatan Harapan won 115 seats - over the 112-seat majority required to establish a government. The swearing-in ceremony for Mahathir is expected to take place on Thursday, May 10. Political gatherings, including demonstrations and protests, are possible in Kuala Lumpur and in other Malaysian cities ahead of, during, and after the ceremony. A heightened security presence and traffic disruptions are anticipated around any such gatherings.

Nationwide public holidays will be held on May 10 and Friday, May 11; transportation and business disruptions are possible.

Context

The May 9 general election was intentionally chosen to be held before Ramadan, a major festive period for the Muslim-majority country, which begins this year on May 15.

On May 9, 222 national parliamentary seats were contested, as well as 505 state seats (only the eastern Borneo state of Sarawak, which conducted its state election in 2017, did not hold state elections). In the last general elections held in 2013, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition managed to win 133 out of the 222 seats. BN has been in power in Malaysia for over 60 years.

Advice

Individuals present in Malaysia are advised to avoid public rallies, refrain from discussing domestic political issues, and anticipate a heightened security presence in urban areas.