(AFP) Voters cast their ballots for Sarawak state legislature today, the country's first major poll since general elections two years ago.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's ruling Barisan Nasional coalition is widely tipped for an overwhelming victory, but the state vote is not seen as a true test of the national government's popularity.

The main opposition party PAS which made dramatic gains in the general elections has little support in Sarawak, where less than a quarter of the population are Muslims, and is contesting just three seats.

However, Keadilan headed by Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will make its debut in the state polls and has nominated candidates in 25 seats.

The ruling coalition has already won four seats unopposed in the 62-seat legislature. The remaining 58 seats are being fought over by an unprecedented 167 candidates.

Local issues

Local issues, such as native land rights and development, dominated the run up to the election in the country's largest state, with the opposition alleging corruption and nepotism in the government.

When the state legislative assembly was dissolved on September 3, the ruling coalition held 58 seats.

The opposition DAP had one seat and independents held three. The DAP will contest 13 state seats.

An Election Commission spokesman said 1,723 polling stations opened at 7.30 am and would close in stages until 5.00 pm. The first result was expected at 8.00 pm and the final outcome early tomorrow.