Islam Times - Malaysians vote in general elections

Islam Times - Malaysians have begun voting in what appears to be the most closely contested general elections in the country’s history.

Voting started at 8:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) at more than 8,000 polling stations in the multi-ethnic country.

The elections will decide the fate of the National Front coalition of incumbent Prime Minister Najib Razak, who believes that the National Front will continue to dominate Malaysia’s politics.

The National Front coalition faces a fierce competition with the opposition People’s Alliance (Pakatan Rakyat or PR), led by former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim. Recent opinion polls have indicated that the competition is too close to predict.

“There is clearly, undeniably, a major groundswell and a major shift among the population across ethnic lines,” Anwar, 65, said after he cast his ballot in a polling center in his constituency in the northern state of Penang.

The opposition is aiming to build on its 2008 electoral gains. However, Razak’s coalition is counting on its traditional voters and has been trying to win over a growing middle class with social reforms.

Over 13 million Malaysians are registered to cast their ballots during a 10-hour voting period.

Malaysia also holds elections for the 222 seats of its House of Representatives on Sunday.