Malaysia’s prime minister, Abdullah Badawi, has dissolved parliament to begin the process for snap elections – now expected to be held in the first ten days of March. The elections which were not due until May of next year could have been called early to sideline former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
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Dr Anwar, who isn’t eligible to re-enter politics until April, says today’s announcement directly targets his efforts.
“Clearly he has announced this date to deny me my right to participate in the elections.”
He says he will continue to campaign for the opposition, and that opposition parties have reached an agreement not to compete against each other in an attempt to unseat the ruling party.
“The Justice Party that is presently led by my wife, the Democratic Action Party and the Islamic Party are working independently but agreeing on one candidate against a ruling party candidate.”
You can hear the full interview with former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim on Asia Pacific, in one hour’s time.
