Malaysia's ruling party sails home in crucial vote

By P Prem Kumar

KUALA LUMPUR

Malaysia Premier Najib Razak's Barisan Nasional (BN) party has won 72 of the 82 seats up for grabs in a state election in Sarawak -- seen as a crucial test of the prime minister's popularity following several scandals.

Opposition parties faired poorly, with the Anwar Ibrahim-led People's Justice Party only able to retain its three seats, while Democratic Action Party lost five of the 12 seats it won in 2011.

Azalina Othman Said, minister of parliament affairs, told Anadolu Agency in a telephone conversation late Saturday that the landslide victory indicated that Razak still has the support of the people.

"This victory will inspire the federal government that we are on the right track to face the next general election. It is also a perfect indication for the prime minister to continue leading the country."

Party chair Razak has faced public and private calls for his resignation, after allegations that hundreds of millions of dollars were channeled into his bank accounts from indebted state wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Razak was cleared of the allegations in January, after explaining that the money was a donation from Middle East royals, but the explanation was met with widespread public skepticism.

Information and Communications Minister Salleh Said Keruak told Anadolu Agency in a text message late Saturday that the victory showed that people have accepted the leadership of Razak.

"People are now more concerned in development, harmony, peace and security. And they are confident only the Barisan Nasional government under the leadership of Najib Razak can provide the people all these elements," he said.

Prior to the vote, BN -- the sole party to have governed Malaysia since independence in 1957 -- had been looking for 60 to 70 seats.

In the last state election in 2011, BN took 55 of the 71 state seats contested.