This bias was originally aimed largely at reducing the number of seats held by the predominantly Chinese Democratic Action Party, which is strong in inner cities.

WSJ: Philip Bowring: The Realignment of Malaysian Politics

Analysts say that although chances of an opposition victory are slim, the loose alliance between fundamentalist Pan-Islamic Party, Mr. Anwar's moderate People's Justice Party and Chinese-majority Democratic Action Party, may extend its 2008 electoral gains, when it deprived the 13-party ruling coalition of its traditional two-thirds majority in parliament.

WSJ: Malaysians Turn Out in Large Numbers in Tight, Historic Election

For BA members, sticking together is no easy feat, given that they include parties as disparate as the conservative, Malay-oriented Parti Islam SeMalaysia and the secular, Chinese-dominated Democratic Action Party.

CNN: A Woman of Grace