Malaysia’s recent dramatic crackdown on public protest could force the prime minister to delay plans for an early election next year, after the events embittered the opposition and soured the public mood.

The United States on Wednesday proposed more sanctions against military-ruled Myanmar Wednesday, including blocking critical access to US financial institutions via third countries.

Spoilt by a diet of state spending and protection, Malaysia’s economy has lost its sparkle, but reforms to revive growth and cut public debt may mean dumping affirmative-action policies that underpin government support.