 |  | Mr Abdullah, who took office in October 2003, was pressured to step down after the ruling National Front coalition suffered its worst results ever in general elections a year ago. --PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS |
'PM Abdullah offered his resignation to the King. The King is understood to have accepted it,' a senior official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Abdullah arrived in a black sedan escorted by police outriders at 0200 GMT, according to a senior government official who witnessed the event.
Officials said the government will issue an official statement later on the transfer of power.
Incoming prime minister Najib Razak, who said on Wednesday he will be sworn in on Friday as the country's sixth premier, was also expected at the palace.
Mr Abdullah, 66, who was criticised as weak and ineffective during his six years in power, last week handed Mr Najib the leadership of Malaysia's dominant political party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
Mr Abdullah announced his retirement plan last October after being criticised for an election debacle last year when the opposition claimed a third of seats in parliament and control of four states.
UMNO leads the National Front coalition that has ruled Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957. -- AFP
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