Najib eyes snap election, vows fight to the death

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA will hold polls soon, embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Thursday, vowing "to fight until the death" and showing no sign of succumbing to calls to quit over a massive financial scandal.

It was the first time the Malaysian leader has signalled he may bring forward polls not due until mid-2018, as he addressed the annual assembly of his ruling United Malays National Organisation (Umno) and called for party unity. "I know, many can feel the heat . . . and are waiting for directions to battle in the polls that will be held soon," he said.