KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s ruling coalition is braced for a possible protest vote at elections next weekend, but the word on the street is that apathy may be the real threat.

Campaigning for the March 8 polls has so far focused on clear signs of discontent in the minority ethnic Indian and Chinese communities with the coalition’s policies on race and religion.

The coalition, which has governed for five decades, needs its core supporters in the ethnic Malay majority to turn out in force to counter such a backlash, but senior insiders worry that many Malays may stay at home instead.

“I’m concerned that even those who have registered to vote seem doubtful whether they would go out to vote,” former deputy premier Musa Hitam said.

“Some are not happy with the government, yet don’t feel they should come out and vote against the government. Some say they are simply fed up with politics...and some are saying ‘Well, whether we vote or not, they are going to win for sure’.”

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi insists the Malays will turn out to vote, and the pro-government Sunday Star newspaper carried a survey predicting a record turnout, but voter apathy remains a concern among the ruling elite.

Almost 5 million Malaysians have not even bothered to register to vote, the New Sunday Times said..—Reuters