Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi had parliament dissolved Wednesday, paving the way for snap elections that political analysts say will see the opposition gain ground thanks to voter discontent over rising prices, crime and ethnic tension.

The government held over 90 percent of seats in the just dissolved 222-member parliament.

While the ruling 14-party Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government led by Abdullah is in no danger of losing power, the results are expected to reflect unhappiness over a multiplicity of issues by sensitised voters.