Malaysia’s former ruling party United Malays National Organisation is hopeful of a positive outcome from former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s latest bid for a royal pardon, party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

The US rejected a claim by Malaysia’s opposition Islamist party that Washington once sought to influence the country’s choice of political leadership, calling the allegation false.

Malaysia’s economy grew faster than initially estimated in the second quarter as stronger-than-expected exports tied to the artificial intelligence boom and steady domestic demand countered the impact of the war in the Middle East.

Malaysia’s economy is poised to grow at the upper end of the 4%-5% official forecast for this year, according to the central bank chief.