By IRNA
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dissolved parliament more than a year ahead of schedule.
Bernama said that the dissolution paves 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.
An election next month would also rule out opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim, barred by a conviction from standing for office until April.
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.
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 percent.
IRNA reporter in Kuala Lumpur said that 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, he said.