Malaysia PM names deputy - BBC News

Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has ended months of speculation by appointing a deputy.

Najib Tun Razak is expected to be sworn in later on Wednesday, in a move that is being seen as a sign that Mr Abdullah is preparing to call a general election.

Malaysians have been waiting to find out who he would make his second in command ever since it was announced 18 months ago that he would become prime minister.

The deputy's post is seen as a stepping-stone to the top job and many will now expect Mr Najib, Malaysia's defence minister, to succeed his boss when he eventually stands down.

Mr Abdullah is said to have delayed naming a deputy until his key policies were established.

With his political platform and his number two in place, Malaysians can expect to go to the polls within months.

[More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3374819.stm]