Malaysia's opposition coalition won the most seats in Saturday's general election.

According to the country's electoral commission, the Pakatan Harapan alliance won 82 seats compared with 73 for the ruling Barisan Nasional grouping.

Both are working to form a coalition government after falling short of the 112 seats needed to control the parliament.

Ninety-seven-year-old two-time Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who started a new opposition coalition, lost his seat.

Local media said the loss marks the end of an era.

In the general election four years ago, Malaysia had its first change of power since the country achieved independence in 1957. The prime minister was replaced twice amid the turmoil following the 2018 election.

Malaysian voters are believed to have expressed their dissatisfaction with the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, accelerating inflation and a series of corruption scandals within the administration.

Some observers say political instability may continue in the country.