Malaysia’s unity government is facing an increasingly uncomfortable test ahead of the Melaka state election, with parties governing together at the federal level reverting to old rivalries as they compete for votes in a contest that could foreshadow shifting alliances before a national poll due by February 2028.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition is under pressure to put on a strong showing against federal partners Umno, which is widely expected to retain power when Melaka’s voters cast their ballots on November 14.
After two bruising losses to Umno in the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, PH component parties have all but dropped any pretence of friendly ties as they seek to blunt the political advances of their national coalition partners turned rivals.