Campaigning begins in Malaysia’s general election

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, center, waves to his supporters after his nomination documents were accepted for the upcoming general election in Bera, Pahang, Malaysia, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 (Ahmad Yusni/AP/PA)

Campaigning for Malaysia’s general election started on Saturday in a highly competitive race that will see the world’s longest-serving coalition seek to regain its dominance four years after a shocking electoral loss.

The November 19 election will determine if Barisan Nasional, or National Front, can make a strong comeback or whether political reformers can secure another surprise win that will see their leader, Anwar Ibrahim, achieve a long-held dream of becoming prime minister.