The Wire

Malaysia is buzzing with election fervour as the nation prepares to go to the polls this weekend. With voter discontent rife in the wake of corruption scandals, inflation fueled price rises and ethnic and religious tensions, the opposition believe they can break the National Front’s hold on parliament. The ruling coalition which has been in power since independence has maintained a 40 year stranglehold on the two third majority in parliament. However Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is confident his coalition will be returned with a two third majority citing the nation’s rapid economic growth under his tenure.