Malaysia's prime minister says he'll dissolve parliament on Saturday, paving the way for general elections expected to be held next month.
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The polls are seen as a test of survival for scandal-tainted Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is widely expected to win but is under pressure to improve the performance of his National Front coalition after support eroded in the last two elections.
The key challenge comes from an opposition alliance led by former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, Asia's longest-serving premier for 22 years before he retired in 2003.
Najib said in a nationally televised address on Friday that he obtained consent from Malaysia's king to dissolve parliament on Saturday.
The Election Commission is expected to meet within a week to set a polling date and determine when formal campaigning can begin.
Australian Associated Press
