Parliament dissolved, elections on

In a ridiculously confusing move, even for a Malaysian politician, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi first said (from The Star: Parliament won't be dissolved today, says PM):

BANGI: Parliament will not be dissolved today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi put an end to such speculation, telling reporters here yesterday: “Esok tak ada (No, it won’t be tomorrow)”.

He also denied that today’s Cabinet meeting would be the last with his present team of ministers before Parliament is dissolved to pave the way for the next general election.

He then called a hasty conference to announce that, in fact, (from The Star: Parliament dissolved, elections on):

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has announced that Parliament has been dissolved, paving the way for the 12th general election.

At a hastily convened press conference at his office Wednesday afternoon, he said he had met the Yang Di Pertuan Agong in the morning and received His Majesty's consent to dissolve Parliament.

"I've informed Parliament and the Election Commission," Abdullah said. The state assemblies have also been advised to dissolve.

The Prime Minister declined to speculate on what date Malaysians would cast their ballots, saying that it would be up to the Election Commission (EC) to decide.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission said it would announce polling and nomination day on Thursday at its office in Putrajaya.

Right. If one were to speculate, one would think that something big is geared to happen that would affect the country's votes for the incumbent. In response, the PM hastily placed a temporary quick fix on the thing and called the election so that whatever happens, happens after his position is secured. That's if one were to speculate.

Anyway, check if you're registered here (it actually works. I checked), make sure you know who to vote for, and make sure it's for the right reasons.