Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has launched an election campaign for the upcoming general election, with a series of promising commitments to bringing a better future for Malaysian people.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp)

Speaking to thousands of people on 7 April, PM Najib pledged to lead the nation on the path to stronger development, and address the rising costs of living at present if the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) led by him continues to lead the country.

He promised to increase the minimum wage to about 388 USD per month, modernise transport infrastructure, and create 3 million new jobs.

On 6 April, PM Najib announced the dissolution of the Parliament to pave the way for a general election.

Normally, a general election will be held within 60 days from the dissolution of the parliament. Voters will elect the 222-member House of Representatives, the lower house of the parliament.

After Malaysia gained independence in 1957, the UMNO has won every election.

In the upcoming election, PM Najib is facing former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who quit UMNO in 2016 and later joined the opposition alliance Pakatan Harapan or Pact of Hope (PH), as the chairman of a new party called Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.

The PH named Mahathir Mohamad as its prime minister candidate for the election. If elected, Mahathir, 92, will become the oldest Prime Minister in the world.

(Source: VNA)