Malaysian leader seeks reform in ruling coalition

The Associated Press , Kuala Lumpur | Sun, 10/12/2008 3:27 PM | World

In an effort to boost its popularity after massive losses in a general election early this year, Malaysia's prime minister has proposed reforming the ruling National Front coalition to allow multiethnic membership, local media reported Sunday.

The National Front, which has ruled Malaysia since independence in 1957, is made up of 13 parties representing Malaysia's different ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese and Indians. Currently, membership in the National Front can only be obtained by belonging to one of the ethnic-based parties.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is proposing that members could join the ruling coalition directly, meaning ethnic Chinese and Indians could enroll in the Malay-dominated alliance, the New Sunday Times newspaper quoted him as saying.

The move could mark a first step toward turning the National Front coalition into a single, multiracial party.

"Forming a direct members' group for all Malaysians irrespective of race and religion, might be a good idea," Abdullah said.

One of Abdullah's aides, who declined to be named citing protocol, confirmed his comments but couldn't provide further details.

Minority groups have increasingly complained that their parties are overshadowed by the dominant partner, the United Malays National Organization, or UMNO.

The front's race-based political system was delivered a stinging blow in March 8 elections when a multiracial opposition grouping made unprecedented gains, winning 82 seats in the 222-member Parliament by promising to treat all ethnic communities equally.

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is now threatening to topple the government with parliamentary defections.

Abdullah's proposal was opposed by some UMNO members who fear it would undermine the Malay party.

"It will be akin to dissolving UMNO and will be a humiliation for UMNO. I am not prepared to accept this," Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, a senior party leader, told national Bernama news agency.

Abdullah recently agreed to step down in March and hand over power to his deputy Najib Razak following growing calls for him to resign after the poor election performance.

In a separate interview with Bernama, Abdullah said national unity will be Najib's greatest challenge.

"Every time a generation understands it, there comes a new generation that has to be educated and told about all this, how to live with one another without conflict," he said.

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