The Big Read: Despite Najib’s Woes, UMNO Projects a Glossy Calm

The Big Read: Despite Najib’s Woes, UMNO Projects a Glossy Calm – On the Surface

TODAY

11 July 2015

As Prime Minister Najib Razak fights allegations in a Wall Street Journal report that US$700 million (S$945.3 million) was transferred from a state investment fund to his personal accounts, the Malaysian leader can be sanguine about his political future given the continued backing of his party and the inability of the opposition to capitalise on the crisis.

Politicians from the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) interviewed by TODAY voiced support for the Prime Minister, and sought to paint a picture of solidarity in the party.

Many UMNO members have publicly rallied behind Mr Najib, calling for the investigation into the allegations to be completed rather than jump to conclusions.

… “Malaysian voters are famously forgiving and forgetful. So if he (Mr Najib) could weather through this immediate crisis, his reign could continue for some time to come, at least until the next general elections in 2018,” noted Dr Oh Ei Sun, a former political secretary to Mr Najib.

… Dr Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman, coordinator of the Malaysia Programme at RSIS, told TODAY that while most UMNO leaders have expressed support for Mr Najib, they would not hesitate to call for his resignation if he became a liability for the party.

Categories:

IDSS / GPO / Online / Print