Anwar coalition 'losing shine' as local elections show declining support

PoliticsExperts say PM's group is no longer viewed as symbol of hope as everyday struggles mountMalaysia's Barisan Nasional chair Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, third from right, and other leaders celebrate the group's victory in the Negeri Sembilan state election on Aug. 1. (Photo by Norman Goh)NORMAN GOHAugust 3, 2026 16:46 JSTKUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition has lost another key local election, suggesting declining support for his reformist government ahead of the country's next general election due by early 2028.