Malaysians turning sour on squabbling ruling coalition

Malaysia’s confusing political scene turned murkier last week after two dozen MPs in the opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) and Umno threw their support behind the idea of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad serving the full five-year term, even as members of the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition continue to throw bitter accusations at one another.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said all 18 MPs from PAS and six from Umno are keen to have Tun Dr Mahathir complete his term, although this would abrogate a deal for Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Anwar Ibrahim to take over as prime minister after some two years of Dr Mahathir’s leadership.