Malaysia's prime minister has called an early general election, apparently to end political instability and seek a firm public mandate.

Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on Monday that he has dissolved parliament with the consent of the king.

The legislature's current term was due to expire next July. An election is now expected as early as in November.

Malaysia has been in political turmoil that began after an election in 2018 resulted in its first change of power since independence.

The United Malays National Organisation, now governing the country, has faced criticism over allegations of graft involving its senior members.

Those accused include former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who was sent to prison in August in a multi-billion-dollar corruption scandal involving a state fund.

The decision to call an early election follows the ruling bloc's recent victory in state-level elections. Observers say the early election is aimed at deflecting public criticism and seeking a stable political foundation.