Malaysian election set for 5 May

Former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim is leading the opposition. Photo: BBC

A general election will be held in Malaysia on 5 May, the Election Commission said, in what is seen as a major test for Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition.

The governing party has enjoyed a 56-year period of uninterrupted power.

In 2008, Razak's National Front lost its two-third parliamentary majority for the first time.

The Election Commission said formal campaigning would begin on 20 April.

The opposition is being led by former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.