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Malaysian PM dissolves parliament Malaysian PM dissolves parliament
(30 minutes later)
Malaysian PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has dissolved parliament more than a year before its term was due to end. Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has dissolved parliament more than a year ahead of schedule, paving the way for a general election.
He gave no reason, but analysts say he is looking for a fresh mandate before Malaysia's economy slows. The PM gave no reason for his decision, but analysts say he is looking for a fresh mandate before the economy slows.
The country's election commission is expected to meet soon to set the election date. An election next month would also rule out opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim, barred by a conviction from standing for office until April.
An election next month would also rule out opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim, who is barred from standing for office until April because of a conviction. The election commission is expected to meet soon to set a poll date.
Elections must be conducted within 60 days of the dissolution of parliament and most analysts expect polls in early March.
The timing is a surprise in some ways, reports the BBC's Robin Brant from Kuala Lumpur.
Late last year a string of rare street protests in the capital exposed a growing unhappiness among some ethnic minorities with the government.
A recent opinion poll also suggested that Mr Badawi's personal popularity had tumbled by 30%.
Nonetheless, our correspondent adds, the National Front coalition government and the Malay party UMNO which dominates it are virtually assured a healthy victory.
They have won all previous 11 general elections.