PUTRAJAYA • Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has hinted that the country's next polls is likely to be held before this year's haj season, which begins in July.

Speaking at an event yesterday to hand over letters offering sponsorship to individuals performing the Muslim pilgrimage, Datuk Seri Najib said they will be leaving for haj after two "raya".

"By the time you all leave, it will be after Hari Raya (Aidilfitri) and also after the other raya," he said, in a reference to pilihan raya, or general election in Malay.

The 1,200-strong group comprising imams, village heads and community leaders, whose pilgrimage is sponsored by 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) Foundation, will leave on July 14. Mr Najib had earlier said he was waiting for a "spark of inspiration" to call for the election.

Speculation is rife that Parliament will be dissolved sometime between the end of March and early April.

The current Parliament's five-year term will end on June 24, and elections must be held within two months after that.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK