Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (left) attends the retreat session at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, on May 11, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition government will face its first public vote of confidence in August, when six key states will head to the polls, the election commission said on Wednesday.
While the regional polls will not directly impact Anwar's two-thirds majority in parliament, any significant losses for his coalition could lead to questions about his ruling bloc, which came to power after a closely fought and divisive national election in November.
The six states of Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah will vote on Aug 12, Election Commission chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh said at a press conference.
Anwar's coalition is currently in power in three of the six states.
Former premier Muhyiddin Yassin's bloc is expected to pose a strong challenge to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's after making huge inroads in the Malay heartlands in the November election
The elections will pit Anwar's coalition against an alliance led by former premier Muhyiddin Yassin.
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Muhyiddin's bloc is expected to pose a strong challenge to Anwar's after making huge inroads in the Malay heartlands in the November election.
Anwar decided to form an alliance with the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), his coalition's former long-time rival, to gain a majority in parliament.
A slowing economy and higher costs of living will be major election issues for voters in the state polls.
Malaysia's economy is expected to grow slower than last year due to global pressures. The ringgit , which has lagged regional peers in Southeast Asia, is trading near a 7-month low.
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Since coming to power, Anwar has focused on introducing economic and institutional reforms, including reducing subsidies for the wealthy, easing listing rules for companies, and abolishing the mandatory death penalty.