Malaysian general elections set for May 5

13 April BBC

A general election will be held in Malaysia on May 5, the Election Commission said, in what is seen as a major test for Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition.

The governing party has been in power for a 56-year period. However, the opposition has been gaining ground on a pledge to end corruption.

In 2008, the ruling National Front lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority for the first time.Formal campaigning starts on 20 April.Mr Najib dissolved parliament last week and will serve as caretaker prime minister until the elections.In recent weeks, he has been highlighting Malaysia's economic successes under his leadership, as well as giving cash handouts.On Saturday, he unveiled his manifesto pledging cash for the poor and more affordable living costs.