KL backtracks on pro-Malay moves as critics question unity narrative

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's government has hit the brakes on a swathe of pro-Malay policies which have proven to be controversial, raising questions over the sincerity of his Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) concept and eroding goodwill from the minorities who make up more than a third of the electorate.

Barely two months old, Mr Ismail's Umno-led government is finding that living up to the hardline Malay rhetoric the party espoused during the three years when its partner and rival for the Malay vote, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, held the premiership, is a dicey proposition.