Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Sunday rejected speculation that he could use the country's positive economic outlook to call a snap general election.

Analysts have said that booming share prices and regular reports in local media about economic progress suggest an early poll may be held this year. Malaysia's last general election was in 2004 and another is due by 2009.

But Abdullah told the state Bernama news agency that encouraging economic performance was instead an opportunity to pursue Malaysia's development goals.

"We want to develop and further strengthen the economy for the people's well-being apart from giving attention to other matters like improving the public delivery system," Abdullah reportedly said.

"We work all the time, not set up the government for the elections. We set up the government to develop the country to achieve further progress," he added when asked if a snap election was likely given recent economic performance.

'Momentum already here'

"I can see the momentum is already there ... it is crucial for us to join hands and work harder, be more focused on what we have achieved so far so that the move forward will be faster," Abdullah said.

The premier added that the government's priorities included national development, improving the quality of life and increasing the competitiveness of Malaysia's workforce.

"If this is made our priority then it will not be difficult to add to the economic success that we have achieved so far," Abdullah said.

Malaysia drew a record RM20.2 billion in foreign investment into its manufacturing sector in 2006. Total trade last year breached one trillion ringgit.

The government is confident the economy exceeded its 5.8 percent economic growth forecast for 2006. It has predicted 6.0 percent growth for 2007.