Malaysia may have snap election

Malaysia may have snap election

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was quoted yesterday as saying he had not ruled out the possibility of an early general election.

"I do not rule out the suggestion but I have to study the matter first," Mahathir was quoted by The Sunday Star newspaper as saying in the eastern state of Kelantan.

He was asked to comment on a statement by former deputy prime minister Ghafar Baba that the government might hold an election soon.

The prime minister is on a nationwide tour to explain the economic crisis. But analysts and party insiders say it also enables him to gauge the mood of the people amid the crisis. "I can see that the people are prepared to support the government, at least the majority," he added.