Multi-racial Malaysia on Friday set a general election for March 21, with new Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi sure of victory but needing to recapture Muslim Malay votes from the Islamist opposition.
Abdullah, 64, took over from veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad four months ago knowing he had to seek an early mandate to stamp his authority over the country and his own party.
"We want to ensure government to be formed as quickly as possible because it has a lot to do, ensure revival of economy and continue development," Election Commission chairman Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman said, announcing a voting day that coincides with the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix race.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition is secure because of support from Malaysia's large Chinese and Indian minorities.