Answers expected from Malaysian PM at party assembly

One day before Malaysia’s embattled prime minister attempts to sew up his authority at a party meeting, expectations were widespread that Najib Razak would have to offer explanations about economic and political scandals that have shaken confidence in the long-ruling coalition.

Razak is to address Thursday some 4,000 grassroots members of his United Malaysia National Organisation (UMNO), many of them seeking clarification on a number of issues that have led to criticism – even within the party – and drawn international attention.

These include the discovery of $700 million in his bank accounts that he attributed to a political donation, mass losses at state-owned investment vehicle 1MDB and the sacking of a critical former deputy prime minister, Muhyiddin Yassin. 

Political analyst Wan Saiful Wan Jan said Wednesday that although Razak might remain untouchable at the three-day UMNO general assembly due to the majority of attendees supporting him, he may have to account for his discharge of Yassin in a July cabinet reshuffle.

"He has to work hard to convince the people that he hasn’t done anything wrong by removing his deputy from the cabinet as Muhyiddin was an elected deputy president by the party branch chairmen," he told Anadolu Agency.

A UMNO Supreme Council member who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter told Anadolu Agency that delegates would also have questions about the $700 million alleged donation, including its origins, purpose and details on how it was used.

"The premier has always defended the fund as a political donation from the Middle East. Because its political donation, the party delegates will feel some ownership over it and will question how it was utilized,” he said. "The queries would be raised to avoid abuse of party funds."

This year’s UMNO general assembly may determine the future direction of the party, which has governed Malaysia since independence in 1957, according to political observer Dr. Bushan Singh.

He warned that the current rifts in UMNO would impact its ability to gather public support in the general election due in 2018.

"UMNO is not in a strong position like in the past, when it could win elections even while the party was divided,” told Anadolu Agency. “These issues must be resolved well and before the next general election if UMNO wants to improve its performance in the polls."

He also said that Razak's leadership abilities, especially in answering his political critics, would be closely monitored by party circles.

Razak has faced increasing criticism over his handling of 1MDB, which has amassed debts worth 42 billion Ringgit ($11.6 billion) in just six years of operations, and has denied swindling funds for personal gain as alleged by political opponents.

Yassin, who is also UMNO deputy president, was sacked as deputy PM after criticizing Razak, and has since called for him to temporarily step down until a probe into the allegations is completed.

A recent survey by independent surveyor Merdeka Center showed declining support for UMNO, with the percentage among Malays -- the majority ethnic group that constitutes up to 65 percent of Malaysia’s electoral base – dropping to 30 percent.