Dewan Negara: Anwar's next juggling act

Last month, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim silenced naysayers who doubted his support in Dewan Rakyat but the upper house could be a different story.

Currently, there are 35 senators on the government side and 16 from the opposition. On paper, Anwar should have two-thirds control of the Dewan Negara.

However, unlike lower house MPs who are elected based on five-year terms, senators’ appointments and tenure expiry happen all year round.