'No, not tomorrow,' he was quoted by state news agency Bernama as telling reporters when asked if parliament would be dissolved on Wednesday to pave the way for the country's 12th general election.

Some political analysts had expected Abdullah to announce the dissolution of parliament after the weekly cabinet meeting - especially after he joked at the weekend that 13 was his lucky number. The cabinet next meets on February 13.

Asked whether Wednesday's cabinet meeting would be the last before the dissolution of parliament, Mr Abdullah said: 'What makes you think it's going to be the last cabinet meeting. The cabinet meeting will go on, go on and go on.'

The next election is not due until May 2009 but political parties are readying themselves for snap polls. -- REUTERS