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Ousted UMNO Supreme Council Member Highlights Tensions Within Zahid's Camp

ASIA

Days after his removal as member of the ruling party's top brass, Tajuddin Abdul Rahman held a press conference on Monday, exposing an alleged plot to unseat UMNO chief.

  • Tajuddin called on UMNO President to step down, while suggesting that former PM Najib Razak and UMNO Deputy President Mohamad Hasan were involved in attempts to pressure party chief Zahid Hamidi into resigning as long ago as in 2020. However, the alleged plot failed as Hasan bailed, while Najib changed tack and refocused his efforts on winning the nomination for chairman of UMNO-led Barisan Nasional alliance.
  • Tajuddin added that the incumbent Prime Minister should be given UMNO presidency, as used to be the norm when the party ruled the country in the past. Note that he has recently been nominated as ambassador to Indonesia but is yet to receive his credentials from the King. PM Ismail Sabri's decision to appoint the controversial lawmaker to a diplomatic position has sparked criticism.
  • While Tajuddin is known for his links to Ismail Sabri, both Najib and Mohamad have been seen as Zahid's allies. The two camps have clashed over the preferred timing of the next general election, with Zahid's team pushing for a snap poll. Hovewer, Tajuddin's comments expose divisions within Zahid's camp that can lead to renewed turmoil within Malaysia's largest party.

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