PM Abdullah announces power handover deal

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Friday he had agreed with his deputy on the timing of a leadership change, as a protest against a steep fuel price rise failed to draw the crowds organizers predicted.

Abdullah has been widely expected to hand power to his anointed successor and Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, but has not spelt out the timing of the transition.

"Datuk Seri Najib and I have decided on the right time for me to hand over premiership to him. We have no problems and we enjoy good working relations," state news agency Bernama quoted Abdullah as telling government officials in the northeastern state of Kelantan.