While the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi retains control of parliament, it no longer has the votes to change the constitution, the Financial Times reported. The National Front has 139 seats, while a coalition of three opposition parties won 82.

The results were the worst ever for the government.

"This is a defining moment, unprecedented in our nation's history. The people have voted decisively for a new era,'' said Anwar Ibrahim, leader of the opposition coalition.

His People's Justice Party, which has its base in the middle class in the cities, won 31 seats, the most of any of the three allied parties. The Democratic Action Party represents ethnic Chinese while Pas is strong among conservative Malays.