Customers of a restaurant watch the announcement made by Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolving the parliament and calling for general elections at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 10, 2022.
"The people's mandate is a powerful antidote for the country to manifest political stability and create a strong, stable and respected government after the general election," Ismail said.
UMNO is trying to win back its dominant position by pressing for early elections, having recently won state level elections.
CORRUPTION FIGHTWith the dissolution of the parliament, Ismail, who came to power in August 2021, becomes the shortest serving prime minister in Malaysian history.
He was named as UMNO's prime minister candidate in April, though it was unclear if he still had that support.