Robust 2017 growth sets stage for Malaysia's Najib ahead of polls

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA'S economy expanded by a stronger-than-expected 5.9 per cent in the last quarter of 2017, a likely boost for Prime Minister Najib Razak ahead of national elections that must be held by August.

The brisk pace of growth over the past four quarters may increase the chances that Mr Najib, criticised over a corruption scandal at a state-owned fund and rising living costs, can fend off an election challenge from his former mentor Mahathir Mohamad.