Malaysia PM to skip G-15 summit

Malaysia PM to skip G-15 summit

MALAYSIA: Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi decided
on Tuesday to skip this weekend's G-15 meeting of developing
nations in Venezuela, raising speculation that he could call a
general election soon.

"The latest word is the PM is not going to Caracas,"
Abdullah's spokesman Azhar Osman told Reuters, but gave no reason
for the decision.

The cancellation came amid mounting speculation that
parliament might be dissolved as early as March 6 to pave the way
for polls in the third week of March.

Tuesday's Malay-language newspaper Utusan Malaysia, which is
controlled by Abdullah's ruling party, said parliament would be
dissolved before March 8.

Earlier, Abdullah told reporters he had not made up his mind
whether to attend the G-15 talks but declined to answer questions
about when elections would be held.

"Enjoy yourself, continue speculating until I make the
announcement," he said.

Elections are due by November but Abdullah, who came to power
in October, is expected to capitalize on a "feel-good factor"
created since he took over from veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad.

Victory is assured, but Abdullah needs a solid win over the
Islamist opposition to seal control over his ruling Barisan
Nasional (BN) coalition and change perceptions that he is a one-
term transitional leader, party sources say. -- Reuters