Two Malaysian coalitions said they’re confident of getting enough support from outside their existing alliances to form a new government after the country’s first-ever hung parliament.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan coalition got the most parliamentary seats — 82 of 220 — in Saturday’s vote, with former premier Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional not far behind at 73. Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s Barisan Nasional had 30, as a gamble to hold early elections failed.
A coalition needs 111 seats to form a majority, while by-elections will be held for two constituencies later. In early morning news conferences, Anwar said he has enough support from other allies to cross the threshold, while Muhyiddin said he will be speaking to parties in Borneo to get there.