Power struggles within Umno expected to drive Malaysian GE voter turnout

AS SIGNS point towards an internal power struggle within the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), Malaysians who have been fatigued by the ongoing political uncertainty in the country are reinvigorated to turn up for the Nov 19 general election in droves.

When Umno’s final list of candidates was released recently, party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sprang a surprise when he left out eight ministers and deputy ministers – all of whom are seen as key allies of caretaker Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Before the announcement, it was reported that potential Umno candidates were given appointment letters to contest – but only on the condition that they sign letters of support to back the party president to become the next prime minister. Zahid and other Umno leaders, including Ismail, have denied the reports, but it’s clear that some damage has already been done.