Malaysia's scandal-tainted prime minister Najib Razak on Friday announced the dissolution of the parliament, making the country officially brace the election season.
"His Majesty (the Agong) has agreed to the dissolution of the Parliament from tomorrow, Saturday, April 7, 2018," local media reported, citing, Najib Razak as saying, in a special speech broadcast live on public television channels, and attended by cabinet members on Friday.
Najib made the announcement at his office in the country's administrative capital of Putrajaya, shortly after noon, local time.
The Election Commission is likely to hold a meeting within a week to decide dates for nomination of candidates, the length of the campaigning period and the date for elections. Voting must be held within within 60 days.
According to the reports, it is widely expected in early May before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
A total of 222 parliamentary seats and 505 state seats are at stake.
Najib faces opposition leader Mahathir Mohamad, who served 22 years as the country's leader before retiring in 2003, reported CNN.
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