Malaysia state polls: Early results show Muhyiddin-led opposition wresting more seats in Anwar’s Selangor, Penang powerbases

In its own territories, the PN led by former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has also officially won in Terengganu after it claimed a simple majority of 17 seats in the 32-seat assembly, the Election Commission said in a statement on Saturday.

PN is leading in Kedah with 33 seats as opposed to the three seats won by PH-BN. This is an improvement from PN’s 20 seats before the assembly was dissolved. PN is also leading comfortably in stronghold Kelantan with a 42-2 scoreline in the 45-seat house, FMT’s tally shows.

The early results point to a return to status quo with both coalitions retaining their states, in line with observers’ predictions for an election deemed as a referendum of Mr Anwar’s unity government.

Analysts had earlier said further inroads by the opposition, including into Mr Anwar’s powerbases – as evidenced by early results of PN’s improved showing – could lead to political instability and conservative policies.