Malaysia's largest state votes, in test for embattled PM

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's largest state went to the polls Saturday in an election that poses a test for a ruling coalition deeply shaken by allegations of massive corruption linked to Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Malaysia's ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front) is expected to comfortably retain its firm control of Sarawak, one of the country's least-developed states.

But the vote - Sarawak holds state-assembly polls out of synch with the rest of Malaysia - is being closely watched for clues that Najib's graft scandal has eroded BN support with general elections looming by mid-2018.

"In urban areas the opposition has used Najib as a campaign issue. It may cause some problems for BN; Najib may be a liability," said Faisal Hazis, a senior fellow at the National University of Malaysia.

Najib led the BN - in power since independence in 1957 - to its worst-ever showing in 2013 national elections as the opposition capitalised on voter concerns over the economy, corruption and alleged government repression.

It now faces allegations that billions of dollars were plundered from a debt-stricken state-owned investment fund Najib founded in 2009.

The allegations, which burst forth last year, include the revelation that Najib received at least $681 million (S$927 million) in deposits to his personal bank accounts in 2013.

Najib and the state company, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), steadfastly deny that the money he received was syphoned from 1MDB, but he has sparked anger by shutting down investigations and sidelining critics.

BN-allied parties hold 55 seats in Sarawak's state assembly, to 15 for the opposition and one independent.

Allegations of electoral abuses have marred the polls, including a redistricting exercise that creates 10 new seats.

Critics have labelled it gerrymandering that benefits the ruling coalition.

Najib, meanwhile, has lavished spending on Sarawak in recent weeks, drawing accusations of vote-buying.

The state government also has blocked a string of opposition politicians and activists from entering Sarawak for campaigning, utilising entry controls it secured when it joined Malaysia in the 1960s.

Known for its vast tropical forests and mighty rivers, Sarawak on the island of Borneo is one of Malaysia's least-developed states.

It has remained so under decades of BN rule despite abundant energy, timber and hydroelectric resources, and its government has been accused of flagrant corruption.

Yet it represents a vital support pillar for the ruling coalition even as the opposition has gained ground elsewhere.

BN controls 10 Malaysian states, and the opposition three.

In 2011 Sarawak elections, BN parties surrendered eight state seats to the opposition.

But the BN's well-established political machine, record of delivering economic growth, and opposition infighting are expected to maintain or even extend the government's advantage.

A recent independent survey found most Sarawakians support the state government and were little swayed by the Najib graft allegations.

Results are expected late Saturday.