KL declares polling day a public holiday after outcry

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA'S general election next month will be a public holiday, the Prime Minister's Office said on Wednesday, after the decision to hold it on a weekday sparked allegations the scandal-plagued government was seeking to tilt the poll in its favour.

Prime Minister Najib Razak is battling to retain power, facing a tough test due to a massive financial scandal and a challenge from veteran ex-leader Mahathir Mohamad.