Umno’s internal conflict a test to stability of Malaysia’s unity government

[KUALA LUMPUR] Given the outcome of the United Malays National Organisation’s (Umno) general assembly last month that saw a resolution passed on no-contest rules for the party’s two highest positions, political analysts feel there is now greater certainty for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government and the direction it is headed.

Umno is the oldest and largest political party in Malaysia, and it’s significant that both president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his deputy Mohamad Hasan will remain in their posts in the lead-up to the next party election that must be held by May 19 this year.

With Zahid remaining a highly influential figure in the party for now, analysts say this has strengthened the foundation of the unity government and guarantees its stability for at least the next three years.