In Malaysia, the campaign has formally kicked off for what's expected to be the most closely contested election in the country's history. This time round, prime minister Najib Razak finds himself in the position of facing off against his former mentor and prime minister of 22 years, Mahathir Mohamad, as well as two former deputy prime ministers from the ruling party. CGTN's Rian Maelzer reports from Kuala Lumpur, where supporters of the two main alliances have been out in force for the nomination of their candidates for the May 9th election.

RIAN MAELZER KUALA LUMPUR "Months of anticipation, and weeks of unofficial sparring, and now, finally, the start of what will be a short and intense 11-day election campaign."

On one side, incumbent prime minister Najib Razak and the Barisan Nasional alliance, which has ruled Malaysia for the past 60 years. On the other, Pakatan Harapan, a diverse alliance ranging from Chinese left-wingers to Malay Islamists. Helming them, the former Barisan Nasional prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad.

NOORA MUHAMMAD PAKATAN HARAPAN SUPPORTER "We want to end this rotten BN rule and to improve the economy."

CHRIS CHEONG PAKATAN HARAPAN SUPPORTER "They represent the multi-racial people of Malaysia and it's a long time due that we need change in our country."

SHAHRUL AZHAR BARISAN NASIONAL SUPPORTER "The government under Barisan Nasional has done a lot for my parents and for me, so I want to repay them by supporting and voting for them."

ISWATUN HASANAH BARISAN NASIONAL SUPPORTER "BN's manifesto has a lot of good ideas about how to improve the lives of the lower income groups. I'm proud to give my support to Najib Razak."

In a bizarre realignment in Malaysian politics, Mahathir is now on the same side as Anwar Ibrahim, his former deputy whom he sacked and later jailed. They are united in their opposition to Najib, whom they blame for a multi-billion dollar scandal involving a state investment firm. Najib denies any wrongdoing and points to his record of overseeing strong economic growth. But the rising cost of living is the central election issue, with Malaysians having to decide which party and alliance is best able to improve their lives. RM, CGTN, Kuala Lumpur.