People-friendly budget expected from Najib ahead of election

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIAN Prime Minister Najib Razak will aim to reduce unhappiness over rising costs of living when he unveils his 2018 budget on Friday, ahead of an election that must be held within 10 months.

Prices rose sharply in Malaysia - where household debt is among the highest in Asia - after Mr Najib cut subsidies and in 2015 imposed a broad-based consumption tax, denting his popularity.

The leader also faces a political challenge from his mentor-turned-foe, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who called Mr Najib a thief in connecti…