PLEASE NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS MATERIAL WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY 4:3
Queues were forming in Kuala Lumpur way before polling stations opened for the start of Malaysia's election showdown on Sunday.
This could be the closest parliamentary election in the country's history.
Voters appeared optimistic of progress whatever the final outcome.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) VOTER, E.P. TAN, SAYING:
"All the citizens of Malaysia wish that there will be a stable government after this election, we hope for the best."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) VOTER, CHUK CHIN, SAYING:
"I think whatever the result is, Malaysia will be a better country because of this election."
The main stars of this drama turned out to cast their own votes in the morning.
Prime Minister Najib Razak's Barisan Nasional coalition is battling to hold on to its 56-year rule.
The opposition led by Anwar Ibrahim appears to stand its best chance ever to end it.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) MALAYSIAN
