Malaysia’s Vote Is Over But Drama Is Just Beginning
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May 6 (Bloomberg) -- Judging by their giddy rally today,markets in Malaysia are beyond relieved that the country’sgeneral elections are over. A win for the incumbent BarisanNasional coalition, whose main party has led Malaysia sinceindependence, appeared to promise continuity and stability.Prime Minister Najib Razak adopted a humble tone after thebitterly fought campaign, calling for “nationalreconciliation.”
Elections in Asia, however, often prove less than decisivewhen the margin of victory is narrow and the stakes are high.Rather than settling matters, yesterday’s vote could well openup Malaysia to the kind of gridlock and endless campaigning thathas plagued capitals from Bangkok to Washington.