Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi had parliament dissolved Wednesday,
paving the way for snap elections that political analysts say will see
the opposition gain ground thanks to voter discontent over rising
prices, crime and ethnic tension.
The government held over 90 percent of seats in the just dissolved 222-member parliament.
While the ruling 14-party Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government led by Abdullah is in no danger of losing power, the results are expected to reflect unhappiness over a multiplicity of issues by sensitised voters.
Abdullah's popularity had soared to over 90 percent in 2004, the year he won his first mandate on a populist platform of curbing corruption and ensuring government transparency and accountability. But that popularity has taken a beating in recent months.
According to recent opinion polls, his popularity has slid down to about 60 percent, low by Malaysian standards, analysts said.
The government held over 90 percent of seats in the just dissolved 222-member parliament.
While the ruling 14-party Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government led by Abdullah is in no danger of losing power, the results are expected to reflect unhappiness over a multiplicity of issues by sensitised voters.
Abdullah's popularity had soared to over 90 percent in 2004, the year he won his first mandate on a populist platform of curbing corruption and ensuring government transparency and accountability. But that popularity has taken a beating in recent months.
According to recent opinion polls, his popularity has slid down to about 60 percent, low by Malaysian standards, analysts said.
