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Zahid knows Malaysia’s political scene has changed and so too must Umno

The question is whether the party that emerges from the purge is one that is more progressive or one that harks back to its yesteryears

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Malaysia DPM Zahid Hamidi (in red) with PM Anwar Ibrahim (right) at an event to launch Mr Anwar's new Malaysia Madani slogan.

Malaysia DPM Zahid Hamidi (in red) with PM Anwar Ibrahim (right) at an event to launch Mr Anwar's new Malaysia Madani slogan.

PHOTO: ZAHID HAMIDI/FACEBOOK

James Chin

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday made his

ground-breaking first official visit

to Singapore since taking office. In the Republic, he

signed three agreements

and expressed his intention to resolve outstanding bilateral issues. 

Yet the biggest political news dominating the Malaysian news cycle for several days has been

the sacking of several Umno heavyweights

from the party, including former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former housing minister Noh Omar. A total of 44 members were purged. Former defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein and a handful of others were suspended.

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