Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today hinted that Malaysia may hold a snap election after he steps down in October and urged his ruling National Front coalition to secure a resounding victory.

"National Front coalition members must get ready for an election. They must give total support to the National Front," Mahathir told reporters after opening the annual meeting of the Malaysian Indian Congress, a senior partner in the ruling coalition.

"In these challenging times, we need a strong government to ward off those who try to undermine us."