Malaysian Prime See to Najib Razak announced the dissolution of parliament on Friday, more than two months preceding the time when the end of his five-year term, paving the way for a general election.
Najib has been crossed by a multi-billion dollar scandal linked to a state fund and is under press to deliver an emphatic win for his ruling coalition as he struggles to appease voters unfortunate with rising living costs and an unprecedented challenge by his former mentor, Mahathir Mohamad.
Najib thought he met King Sultan Muhammad V to gain approval for the dissolution.
“The king has suggested for parliament to be dissolved effective Saturday, April 7,” Najib pronounced in a special announcement.
Polling day must be held within 60 ages from the dissolution of parliament. The Election Commission is expected to meet within the week to divulge a date for the vote.