Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will remarry this weekend in a move he said should be good for the nation.

"I hope the public will bless us. A happy prime minister can do a lot of good work," Abdullah told reporters.

"I am not saying I am not happy so far but I am happier now with a companion."

Abdullah, 67, will on Saturday wed Jeanne Abdullah, the former manager of his residential complex, according to a statement posted on the prime minister's website.

The ceremony will take place at his official residence, attended only by close family, the statement said.

The bride-to-be is a native of Kuala Lumpur and has two children, it added.

Jeanne Abdullah, 53, is also the former sister-in-law of his late wife Endon Mahmood, who died of breast cancer in October 2005, the prime minister told reporters.

Endon's death triggered an outpouring of support and sympathy for Abdullah, whose love for his wife inspired many Malaysians. Their 40-year marriage was widely considered a model relationship.

"My love for Endon remains as strong as ever but I have fallen in love with this one," Abdullah said.

"I believe that God has created in your heart many spaces for many people that you can love as much as you want."

Eternal memories

He said his pictures of Endon, whom Jeanne also loved, will remain in the house.

"Nothing has changed because those are eternal memories," the prime minister said.

Jeanne Abdullah was married to Endon's younger brother but they have been divorced for more than 15 years, he explained.

"Thanks be to God. I feel happy and grateful to God because the woman of my choice has got the blessing from my children and my siblings," he said.

Although he and Jeanne had known each other for more than 20 years, their courtship began less than a year ago, he added.

"She's a simple person and friendly. I believe she can take care of me, be my companion."

They had not discussed a honeymoon but she will follow him on his official overseas trips, he said.

In March Abdullah laughed off "rumours" that he planned to wed again.