Malaysia on verge of hung parliament for first time in history

Failure of one coalition to achieve simple majority in election could bring further political inertia as country faces slowing growth and rising inflation

Malaysia was facing a hung parliament for the first time in its history as support for a conservative Islamic alliance prevented major coalitions from winning a simple majority in a general election.

Without a clear winner, political uncertainty could persist as Malaysia faces slowing economic growth and rising inflation. It has had three prime ministers in as many years.