Malaysia PM's coalition loses crucial 2/3 majority

The Malaysian premier's multi-racial coalition lost its crucial two-thirds majority in parliament in general elections on Saturday, the Election Commission said on Sunday.

The coalition also lost control of three states -- Kedah, Penang and Kelantan, the election body said with results still being tallied.

Barisan held a 90 percent majority in the last parliament and is set for a historic setback at these elections. The opposition is claiming victory in five state assemblies, including Selangor and Perak, while also capturing at least one-third of the seats in federal parliament.

A two-thirds majority is needed to amend the constitution. The last time it lost that majority was in the 1969 election.