Malaysia’s Leader to Dissolve Parliament Today

Faced with a growing opposition movement, Malaysia’s prime minister said Wednesday that he will dissolve the legislature and hold early elections--a test of his popularity after 18 years in power.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he is confident that the governing coalition, which has ruled Malaysia since independence in 1957, would win two-thirds of the 192 seats in Parliament.

Mahathir, 73, badly wants the National Front coalition to retain its position in Parliament as an endorsement of his rule, which has been hit by criticism of the nation’s human rights and judicial system.

Although there was no protest on the streets of the late-afternoon announcement--perhaps because of the heavy mon-soon downpour--opposition leaders reacted angrily.

Mahathir said Parliament will be dissolved today. The date for elections was to be announced Friday.

Elections did not have to be held until next year. But Mahathir said he wanted the ballot to take place before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan starts in December to avoid disrespectful behavior during the period of fasting.

“During the campaigning, people will insult each other,” Mahathir said.

The country’s four main opposition groups banded together in April to form the Alternative Front.

They do not expect to unseat Mahathir but hope to deprive his ruling coalition of a two-thirds majority in Parliament for the first time since 1969.

The front holds 166 seats, or a four-fifths majority, in Parliament, and the opposition controls 23. The opposition would need 41 additional seats to meet its goal.