PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED, MALAYSIA READIES FOR GENERAL ELECTION

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Najib Razak, today dissolved Parliament, with the country expected to go to the polls in what will be the 13th General Election on April 20 or 27. The incumbent Barisan National Party in 2008 won just 50.3% of the popular vote but 63% of the 222 seats available. Most observers expect the election race to be close. While Najib’s approval rating was measured at 61% in January, it has fallen from 71% a year earlier (ATI).