Malaysians vote in general elections

Prime Minister Najib Razak, who heads the ruling National Front (BN) coalition, expressed satisfaction at the voting process.
"There should be no reason to worry or be afraid because everything is under control," Najib said, amid concerns of poll fraud and irregularities.
"I trust the people will make the wise decision based on their level of confidence in the country and what lies ahead for Malaysia."
"The allegations that parties friendly to the BN are bringing in foreign workers to vote is totally untrue," the prime minister said. "We are committed to a fair election."
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim expressed optimism that his People's Alliance could wrest power from the National Front.
"If the turnout is good, our chances of winning will also be high," he said after voting in the northern state of Penang.
An opinion survey conducted the week before the elections showed the opposition coalition ahead by 1 percentage point, with a large number of undeclared voters.
Malaysia has been governed by the National Front, dominated by the United Malay National Organization, for the past 56 years.
The election commission said 13.3 million people were eligible to vote for 222 parliamentary seats and 505 state assembly seats.
Long queues of voters were seen at polling centres around the capital Kuala Lumpur and surrounding suburbs.
Damien Francis, 40, a first-time voter, was among those who cast ballots early in Petaling Jaya outside the capital.
"I need to have my vote counted at this very important time in our history," he said. "My vote is secret as it is sacred."
Deputy election commissioner Ahmad Omar said voter turnout was expected to be between 75 per cent and 85 per cent.