Security was tightened around Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the final day of an election campaign today after Taiwan's president survived an assassination attempt.

Plans for Abdullah to tour this northwestern island in an open-top vehicle were cancelled, a security aide told AFP.

Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian and Vice-President Annette Lu were shot and slightly wounded yesterday as they campaigned in an open jeep in the southern city of Tainan ahead of Saturday's vote.

Peaceful campaign

Malaysians go to the polls tomorrow after a peaceful campaign, but Abdullah's security men were not prepared to take any chances.

"There were plans for him to drive through the island on an open-top vehicle but it has been cancelled," an aide said.

Instead, Abdullah is travelling in a locally built Proton Perdana sedan, flanked by motorcycle outriders.

Abdullah told a news conference later: "It is a very very unfortunate thing to have happened to him (Chen Shui-bian). I hope it does not happen in Malaysia."

He went on to say that the security situation in Malaysia was "under control" and urged people to turn out to vote without fear. - AFP