Malaysia politics

The reopening has been criticized as a sham, as the five-day session is limited to reviewing the government's COVID-19 response and there are no plans for any votes.

A COVID-19 surge is overwhelming many of Malaysia’s intensive care units, as rivalries among politicians allow a disaster to unfold.

The move comes after months of sniping between the party and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's camp.

The decisions follows a series of rare interventions by the king and the heads of the country's nine Malay royal houses.

The country's legislature has been suspended under a state of emergency imposed in January.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin is facing increasing pressure from the opposition – and from within his own coalition.

Calls for increased autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak are once again on the agenda in Malaysian politics.

Youth pose challenges to the country's aging political elite, but they are far from a monolithic bloc.

However, parliament is unlikely to convene until the state of emergency expires on August 1.

The surprise announcement has given PM Muhyiddin Yassin until August 1 to get COVID-19, and the broader political situation, under control.

But more challenges loom on the horizon for Muhyiddin Yassin's fragile governing coalition.