Under pressure Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi may call an early general election to avoid a difficult internal leadership challenge, an opposition leader said today.

Abdullah said late yesterday that the ruling Umno would postpone internal party polls until after the next general election, which could be another three years away.

He declined to say when the new nationwide poll would be.

"It's an indication that elections can be next year or early 2008 and secondly, of course, he wants to avoid a very heated battle in Umno," veteran politician and parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang told AFP .

"I would not be surprised if the elections are held next year, in the later part of next year, rather than early," he added.

The last general election was in March 2004 - which Abdullah won by a landslide - and Malaysia must see a general election within five years, by March, 2009.

Announcing the postponement, Abdullah said the decision would allow Umno to concentrate on the country's economic advancement.

"This is ... to enable the party to give its full attention to matters which are related to the development of the country," he told reporters.

Sign of Pak Lah's weak position

Abdullah said Umno had twice previously deferred internal polls before a general election, but Lim said the move was a sign of Abdullah's weak position.

Party positions of president and deputy president are traditionally held by the prime minister and his deputy, but have yielded bitter leadership contests in the past.

"Of course, they have (postponed) it before, but this ... is a reflection of weakness rather than strength," said Lim.

In recent months, the premier has fought a bitter row with former premier Mahathir Mohamad, who has accused Abdullah of nepotism and unwise policy decisions. The battle has raised fears of divisions within Umno.

The politician said the fight with Mahathir "undoubtedly accentuates these faultlines" within the party.

"There are some who are feeling it would be good to have Mahathir back. This shows that something is very wrong," he said

Abdullah has also faced criticism from Umno ranks for weak leadership and failing to live up to his election promises to battle corruption, sentiments Lim said extended to the population.

Early elections would be "to clear the deck and hopefully strengthen and consolidate his position," he said.