There have been some calls for Mr Abdullah to step down after the ruling coalition suffered its worst electoral setback in 50 years in the March 8 poll.

The coalition conceded five states to the opposition and lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Talk that Mr Abdullah could be pressured to resign have fuelled worries of political uncertainties and unnerved investors.

'I am here. They make all the speculations that I want to run away, I've resigned,' the prime minister said.

'Why should I resign? Why I must run away from my entrusted responsibility?' he added, reiterating that the coalition still had a strong majority. -- REUTERS