Dr Mahathir's clash with Mr Najib on the issue saw the former premier - and two senior Umno leaders Muhyiddin Yassin and Shafie Apdal - part ways with the party, and in a matter of years build up two parties, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Parti Warisan Sabah, that attracted votes away from BN on the peninsula as well as in Sabah.
Dr Mahathir remains especially popular, and many Malaysians remember his 22 years at the helm fondly. Many traditional opposition supporters still have not warmed to him and harbour reservations about his switch. Still, one poll showed that up to 60 per cent of respondents favour him compared with some 40 per cent for Mr Najib. That these former Umno leaders prevailed in spite of the odds against them reflects an overriding desire among voters for change, but arguably also for fair play.
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