malaysias-political-saga-deepens

MalaysiaÆs political saga deepens

With the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition's first defection, opposition leader Anwar IbrahimÆs threats to form a new government gain strength.

By Edward Russell

September 17, 2008

While MalaysiaÆs opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim failed to fulfil his promise to form a new government this week, the countryÆs first ever coalition defection has improved his chances of success. WednesdayÆs walk-out by the Sabah Progressive Party from the ruling Barisan Nasional BN coalition guarantees that the countryÆs six-month long political limbo will continue.

The decision by the Sabah Progressive PartyÆs two parliamentarians to leave the coalition is an unprecedented move in Malaysian politics. No member of the ruling 14-party BN coalition has ever defected in the coalitionÆs 39 years of leadership.

WednesdayÆs move is the latest in a series of political blows to BNÆs leadership since the coalition lost its two-thirds majority in...

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