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