Malaysian Government split over crackdown

MALAYSIA: Malaysia’s government faced a storm of criticism Monday over a series of arrests under internal security laws, with several cabinet ministers breaking ranks to speak out against the move.

The furore highlighted disarray within the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, which has been rattled by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s plans to seize power by persuading government lawmakers to defect.

Anwar has set a Tuesday deadline to topple the coalition, but said on the weekend that although he has enough support for a takeover, the timing could be delayed in order to preserve national stability.

Kuala Lumpur, Monday