PoliticsMalaysia’s Conservative “Blue Wave” Challenges Anwar’s Government

Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan held a state election on August 1. Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional, continuing their cooperation, jointly won 25 seats and reclaimed control of the state from Pakatan Harapan. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition secured only 11 seats, six fewer than in the previous election. Transport Minister and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke also suffered an unexpected defeat in his constituency after 13 years of re-election. The podcast examines whether the conservative “Blue Wave” could spread across Peninsular Malaysia and deepen pressure on Anwar’s government.