Malaysian PM Badawi to step down in March

Malaysia's embattled prime minister announced yesterday he will step down in March and hand over power to his deputy, four years before his term ends.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi made the announcement at a news conference after informing the top leaders of the 13 parties comprising the ruling National Front coalition.

The National Front is dominated by Abdullah's United Malays National Organization party, whose members have been demanding his ouster since he led the coalition to its worst performance during general elections last March.