Malaysia’s benchmark FBM KLCI mostly kept to a narrow-range trade on Wednesday as the Election Commission (EC) announced that Malaysians will go to the polls on May 5 with a 15-day campaigning period, the longest in over three decades.

The underlying sentiment was firmer with some local funds still propping up the market.

This is based on stronger regional stock markets buoyed by low inflation in China and US' Dow Jones Index hitting new heights yesterday from strong rallies in tech and energy sectors.

“It’s a different scenario from the day PM announced dissolution of parliament,” an analyst with Alliance Research said.

“There is nothing to be surprised of.”

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So, what's so special about May 5?

Appointment of the PM after the polls

'15 days not enough for campaigning'

Caretaker gov't guidelines not legally binding, says EC

PKR challenges Najib and Co to return official cars

Penang leads by example in returning official cars

Let voters smack the 'samsengs' at the ballot box