Election fever grips Malaysia

Election fever grips Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Election fever has gripped Malaysia, as political parties hold public rallies without even knowing when the next national polls will be held.

Malaysia has one of the world's strongest economies -- with an average eight percent growth over the last eight years -- and nearly every local punter is willing to bet that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will call for polls before his mandate expires in October next year.

But Mahathir has kept Malaysians guessing on the next election date, while an unofficial battle for votes rages between his ruling National Front coalition and the opposition, causing roller coaster fluctuations on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.

"The people should not be influenced by the lies spread by the opposition," Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim thundered late yesterday at a public rally of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO).

UMNO is the biggest party in the National Front. Mahathir is the UMNO's president and Anwar deputy president.