Malaysia PM won't resign despite poll debacle

By Clarence Fernandez

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's premier said on Sunday he has no plan to step down after leading his ruling coalition to its worst election result in decades, despite calls by his influential predecessor for him to quit.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's multi-racial National Front (Barisan Nasional) coalition won just a simple majority in parliament, and his future as leader is in doubt after he watched a record majority collapse as the opposition Islamists and reformists won control of five of the nation's 13 states.

Barisan has effectively ruled Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957. The coalition ended up with 62 percent of federal seats, down from 90 percent previously and without a two-thirds parliamentary majority, Barisan can no longer change the constitution or make some key appointments.

Abdullah had no plan to quit, his spokesman said on Sunday, despite urging by predecessor Mahathir Mohamad.

"There are no plans to resign," Abdullah's spokesman, Kamal Khalid said. "He still has plans to proceed to the palace tomorrow morning to take the oath of office."

The streets were unusually quiet on Sunday, with many older Malaysians fearful of trouble. The last time the coalition suffered a heavy setback, in 1969, race riots erupted. Malaysia's share market is expected to slide on Monday, as political uncertainty takes hold after the massive protest vote.

In a recorded speech to be aired later on Sunday, Abdullah thanked voters for support that enabled his coalition to form the government, and promised to implement its manifesto.

"I'd like to emphasise that Barisan and other component parties accept the people's wishes in the election that was conducted smoothly, based on a democratic process that is fair and transparent," he said.