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Malaysian PM dissolves parliament Malaysian PM dissolves parliament
(about 4 hours later)
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has dissolved parliament more than a year ahead of schedule, paving the way for a general election.Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has dissolved parliament more than a year ahead of schedule, paving the way for a general election.
The PM gave no reason for his decision, but analysts say he is looking for a fresh mandate before the economy slows. Electoral officials will meet soon to set a date for the polls, with a ballot in early March widely expected.
An election next month would also rule out opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim, barred by a conviction from standing for office until April. The move comes amid rising racial tensions in multi-ethnic Malaysia and growing fears over inflation and crime.
The election commission is expected to meet soon to set a poll date. But analysts still expect the ruling coalition to win the election, albeit with a reduced majority.
Elections must be conducted within 60 days of the dissolution of parliament and most analysts expect polls in early March. Ethnic tensions
The timing is a surprise in some ways, reports the BBC's Robin Brant from Kuala Lumpur. Mr Badawi made his announcement at a news conference in Malaysia's administrative centre, Putrajaya.
Late last year a string of rare street protests in the capital exposed a growing unhappiness among some ethnic minorities with the government. "The king has signed the declaration of dissolution of parliament today," he said.
"We hope to get a big majority, at least two-thirds, God willing."
He gave no reason for his decision, but analysts say he is looking for a fresh mandate before the economy slows.
Another advantage for Mr Badawi of holding the election next month is that charismatic opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim cannot stand for office.
Anwar, who was the country's deputy prime minister before being jailed in 1998 on corruption charges, is barred him from politics until April 2008.
The timing of the election does pose some risks, though, for the ruling coalition.
Late last year a string of rare street protests in the capital exposed a growing unhappiness among some ethnic minorities.
A recent opinion poll also suggested that Mr Badawi's personal popularity had tumbled by 30%.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. Nonetheless, according to the BBC's correspondent in Malaysia, Robin Brant, 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.They have won all previous 11 general elections.