Najib with the flag

Malaysia’s ruling coalition Barisan Nasional will return to power, but with a reduced majority, according to an expert from the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific.

Speaking to New Mandala Malaysia political analyst Greg Lopez said that a predicted landslide to Barisan Nasional (BN) was not likely to happen.

“With strongholds like Johor under challenge, Barisan Nasional will win, but with a reduced majority,” said Lopez.

Lopez added that in line with earlier predictions, the eastern Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak proved to be the key battle grounds.

“I had predicted that Sarawak would be firmly behind BN, they are almost untouchable there. It appears at this early stage that is true,” said Lopez.

“Nevertheless the Democratic Action Party – part of the opposition coalition – have done well there as well. They have improved by almost 300 per cent winning three additional seats from the last election.

“On the peninsula many of the important states are yet to be called, Perak especially. But as expected the opposition have done well among the Chinese majority.

“A lot of the seats have a significant number of Chinese confirm that they have deserted BN.