Election officials said candidates would be nominated on 24 February, launching a 13-day campaign period.

The move comes amid rising racial tensions in multi-ethnic Malaysia and growing fears over inflation and crime.

But analysts still expect the ruling coalition to win the election, albeit with a reduced majority.

Mr Badawi, in power since 2003, announced the dissolution of parliament on Wednesday. He gave no reason for his decision.

Ethnic tensions

Malaysia's opposition parties have attacked the timing of the ballot, which is being held well in advance of a May 2009 deadline.

Analysts say he is looking for a fresh mandate before the economy slows.

Another advantage for Mr Badawi of holding the election next month is that charismatic opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim cannot stand for office.

Anwar, who was the country's deputy prime minister before being jailed in 1998 on corruption charges, is barred him from politics until April 2008.

In a statement, he said: "Denying me the opportunity to contest demonstrates that the four-year track record of the Abdullah administration has been so banal, disappointing and characterised by failure that it can ill-afford to take any chances by allowing for a truly democratic electoral process."

The timing of the election does pose some risks, though, for the ruling coalition.

Late last year a string of rare street protests in the capital exposed a growing unhappiness among some ethnic minorities.

A recent opinion poll also suggested that Mr Badawi's personal popularity had tumbled by 30%.

Nonetheless, according to the BBC's correspondent in Malaysia, Robin Brant, the National Front coalition government and the Malay party Umno which dominates it are virtually assured a healthy victory.

They have won all previous 11 general elections.

(BBC)

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