Malaysian PM plays down handover

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has denied he has set a date to stand down from office.

He also announced he intends to seek re-election as leader of the governing party, the Umno, in December.

On Friday Mr Badawi said he had agreed on the framework to hand over to his deputy, Najib Razak, fuelling speculation he was about to quit.

The prime minister has been under intense pressure to resign amid public anger caused by high fuel prices.

His governing coalition is also fighting for survival after significant losses in March's general election.

The poor showing came amid rising racial tensions in multi-ethnic Malaysia and growing fears over inflation and crime.

Late last year a string of rare street protests in the capital exposed a growing unhappiness among some ethnic minorities, as opinion polls suggested Mr Badawi's personal popularity had tumbled by 30%.