Malaysia's Anwar closer to comeback in by-election

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (AFP): Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim moved a step closer to completing his comeback from prison to the country's top leadership Wednesday after a party-mate quit parliament, allowing him to contest a by-election.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who led Anwar's party to a shock victory in May against Najib Razak, has vowed to hand over power to Anwar within two years.

Anwar, 71, received a royal pardon and was freed from jail shortly after the victory, and needs to be elected to parliament to qualify him to succeed Mahathir, 93.

Poll officials have not stated when the by-election will be held, though it is expected to take place within months.