Malaysian prince seeks election

By Jonathan Kent
BBC, Kuala Lumpur

The authorities are concerned about the strength of conservative Islamists

The youngest brother of Malaysia's king is to stand in the country's general election on 21 March.

Syed Razlan Syed Putra Jamalullail is to take on a popular Muslim faith healer, Harun Dun, in the northern state of Perlis.

Mr Harun is representing Pas, Malaysia's conservative Islamist opposition party.

All the major parties have now named their candidates, and nominations close on Saturday ahead of the polls.

Malaysia has had royal candidates before.

The country's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, was the younger brother of the Sultan of the state of Kedah.

But this move, which will play on voters feudal loyalties, suggest the government is concerned about the strength of support for conservative Islamic candidates across northern Malaysia.

Omissions

Mr Harun specialises in driving away evil spirits and lifting curses.

He may need all his powers to win this contest.

Most other nomination surprises are omissions rather than inclusions.

The chief minister of the state of Selangor, Khir Toyo and his predecessor and mentor Muhammad Taib, will not be standing for parliament.

Muhammad Taib was caught carrying almost $1m in cash out of Australia some years ago and his position as vice-president of the ruling Umno party now appears in doubt.

However, some controversial government candidates remain, despite the efforts of Malaysia's prime minister to raise the reputation of the administration since he took power at the end of October.

The government is nevertheless expected to win a comfortable majority when Malaysia votes in 10 days' time.