⁍ Najib Razak sought support from coalition lawmakers on Monday to back a prime ministerial bid by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

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⁍ Anwar was one of the key leaders in a coalition that defeated Najib in a historic election in 2018.

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⁍ Najib’s support for Anwar could deepen turmoil for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

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– Last year, Najib Razak was Malaysia’s prime minister. This year, he’s back in the prime minister’s seat. Reuters reports that Najib on Monday asked lawmakers in his ruling coalition to support a bid by former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to be the next prime minister. Anwar was one of the key leaders in a coalition that defeated Najib in a historic election in 2018. Najib has since been convicted of corruption and sentenced to 12 years in jail. Najib’s support for Anwar could deepen turmoil for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is facing calls to resign after Malaysia’s king rejected a request for him to declare emergency rule amid a leadership challenge from Anwar. Muhyiddin has a two-seat majority in the Southeast Asian nation’s parliament and any shift in support from within his coalition would mean he loses the majority. Anwar was one of the key leaders in a coalition that defeated Najib in a historic election in 2018. Najib, in response to reports on his support for Anwar, said his first suggestion was for his UMNO party to push for a date for fresh elections once the COVID-19 outbreak is under control. If that is rejected by the ruling coalition, UMNO should be open to working with Anwar’s party under certain conditions. Anwar did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Najib’s backing of Anwar marks a striking turnaround in their relationship. Anwar, who has long led Malaysia’s opposition with a reform agenda, was jailed during the Najib administration on sodomy charges, which he denied and said were politically motivated.