UMNO facing credibility crisis, not fighting for Malays: Johor Chief Minister

KUALA LUMPUR — In what appears to be veiled criticism of Prime Minister Najib Razak’s administration, Johor Chief Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said yesterday that ruling party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) is facing a credibility crisis and does not appear to be fighting for Malays.

He added that UMNO cannot keep quiet if corruption becomes part of the culture or if trust is betrayed, in a veiled defence of the party’s deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin, who was sacked as Deputy Prime Minister in a Cabinet reshuffle last week for speaking out against alleged wrong-doing in the state investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

“UMNO cannot just be mute when the party no longer prioritises the fight of the Malays, but is used instead to defend certain groups in the name of loyalty to the party, or in the name of party discipline of being loyal to leaders,” Mr Khaled said on hisFacebook page. This came after Prime Minister Najib Razak said over the weekend that he valued loyal people over smart people. “It is time that UMNO moves forward a few steps. (Be) more proactive and more dominant,” said Mr Khaled.

“Like it or not, we have to accept it. UMNO today is facing an unusual credibility crisis, no longer a perception crisis that has now turned into a crisis of authority; the cracks in the unity of the party are now clearly visible.”

Johor UMNO leaders had previously said that Mr Muhyiddin’s removal was not well-received, as the Muar-born politician still commanded a sizeable grass-roots support in his home state, which also happens to be the birthplace of the Malay nationalist party.

Mr Najib axed Mr Muhyiddin last week from his deputy premier position and UMNO vice-president Mr Shafie Apdal from his position as Rural and Regional Development Minister — both had been openly critical of the government’s handling of 1MDB’s failings.

1MDB has been in the spotlight after amassing a debt pile of more than RM42 billion (S$15 billion). It is under an inquiry by the bipartisan Public Accounts Committee.

Last month, reports by the Wall Street Journal also alleged that US$700 million (S$964 million) had been transferred from 1MDB-linked firms to Mr Najib’s personal accounts. Authorities on Monday said the money deposited into Mr Najib’s accounts was from political donations by UMNO supporters, and not from 1MDB.

The recent developments have led UMNO’s low-level branch members, who elect the party president and deputy president, to question Mr Najib’s leadership, and demanding a bigger say in the party’s decisions.

According to Mr Ahmed Zaharani Yusof Omar, an UMNO division secretary, most of the dissatisfaction has been voiced through branch and division meetings.

“It’s healthy for the party for members to voice their opinions, and it proves that we are open and democratic,” he said.

But the grumblings have translated into heated debates breaking out in some UMNO branches, particularly in the party’s youth wings in Johor and Selangor.

At the same time, division vice-chief Ikmal Ismail said some divisions have cancelled invitations toMr Muhyiddin and Mr Shafie to grace the opening of their meetings.

“Everyone is still surprised over the reshuffling, and given who the personalities involved are, there will be emotional reactions on both extremes,” said Mr Ikmal.

For now, the grumblings are still manageable, said Mr Zaharani. “I don’t think there will be a snowball effect and rebellion against the president.” AGENCIES