Malaysia’s Najib Razak dismisses claims of Umno rift over 1MDB scandal

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Wednesday his party was united and looking to victory in the next elections, dismissing talk of a rift over a financial scandal that has brought unprecedented dissent within the long-ruling party.

Najib chaired the first leadership meeting of the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) since a cabinet reshuffle in July when he sacked then deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and other senior ministers.

The dismissals came after critical comments by the ministers about the scandal, which involved alleged mismanagement and corruption at indebted state investment fund 1MDB. Najib is chairman of the fund’s advisory board.

Wednesday’s party meeting had been due in July but was delayed. Many people were expecting Najib to dismiss Muhyiddin from his post of Umno deputy president, along with other senior leaders who have criticised Najib’s leadership.

But Najib said the party’s leaders had to build solidarity and resolve differences to ensure Umno stays in power.

“I welcome the involvement of Muhyiddin as the deputy president of the party and he has voiced his loyalty to Umno and his willingness to continue to fight to uphold Umno’s strength and victory in the next election,” Najib said after the meeting. The next general election is due by 2018.