Anwar: Dissolution of Parliament No Surprise

The dissolution of Parliament by Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi on February 13th comes as no surprise as approval ratings for himself and for his government have dropped to all-time lows. Malaysians are hard hit by rising prices, rampant crime, endemic corruption and heightened ethnic tensions. The longer that Barisan Nasional waits, the more seats it stands to lose in the General Election.

These elections are being called more than a year early, in the very middle of the Chinese New Year celebrations, and one month before the illegal ban on my participate in these elections expires. Denying me an opportunity to contest only shows that the four year track record of the Abdullah administration has been so banal and disappointing that they can afford to take no chances whatsoever.

KeADILan (the People's Justice Party) is fully prepared to break the barriers imposed by the ruling party by blocking our access to the media and constant harassment by law enforcement at every public gathering. Our candidates have worked day and night to expose the constant failings of the government convey our vision of hope for a better Malaysia.

We have been ready for these elections for months. Along with our allies in the Opposition, we are ready to put Malaysia back on track, and give Malaysians the government they deserve.

ANWAR IBRAHIM