His departure would trigger a cabinet reshuffle, which could spark renewed conflict within the ruling coalition.

ECONOMIST: German economic policy

While an upset win by the opposition may trigger a sharp selloff on worries of policy uncertainties, a narrow victory by the ruling coalition could spark a more modest fall as investors have already priced in such an outcome, said Pong Teng Sew, head of research at Inter Pacific Securities.

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