Change for Malaysia?

The ruling National Front won more than half the seats in parliament, but lost its two-thirds majority [AFP]

Malaysia’s prime minister has been sworn back into office, two days after his coalition suffered its worst election result in fifty years.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has faced calls to resign in the wake of Saturday’s polls.

The ruling National Front won more than half the seats in parliament, but lost its two-thirds majority – its worst showing since Malaysia gained independence in 1957.

The government had predicted a drop in support but the result was worse than expected, representing a drastic shift in Malaysian politics.

Analysts say factors include rising ethnic tensions, growing divisions between rich and poor and crime.

Inside Story, with presenter Sami Zeidan, asks whether the election marks the start of permanent change for Malaysia.

 

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This episode of Inside Story aired on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 17:30 GMT
 

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