In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Barisan Nasional's Umno component has claimed both the youngest and oldest winning candidates in the Negeri Sembilan state election, reflecting the coalition's broad intergenerational appeal in the state.
Umno grassroots leaders in Negeri Sembilan have voiced strong dissatisfaction following the distribution of 11 parliamentary and state assembly seats to Perikatan Nasional partners, with particular anger directed at Wawasan's substantial seat allocation.
A High Court has rejected an attempt by an Umno-linked politician and two associates to postpone repayment of RM492,480 owed to umrah pilgrims. The refusal clears the way for the funds to be returned without delay.
Umno president Zahid has directed the party's election machinery to disregard any criticism from former leader Puad Zarkashi concerning Barisan Nasional candidates contesting in the upcoming Johor state election.
The son of former Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has stepped forward to defend his father's recent commentary on the party's trajectory, characterizing the remarks as constructive criticism intended to preserve Umno's long-term viability.
Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has firmly rejected characterisations of the party as one driven by family connections, asserting instead that candidate selection follows established merit-based protocols.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has launched a strong rebuttal against Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi after the latter quit the party, addressing both his resignation and palace-related accusations.
Johor Umno's deputy chairman has cautioned party members that developing new leaders demands sustained effort over time. Ahmad Maslan emphasized there are no quick routes to senior positions or candidacies.
Former Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi characterises his resignation as a deliberate warning to party leadership, dismissing claims his decision stemmed from personal grievances over his son's candidacy.
Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, a senior UMNO Supreme Council member, has resigned from the party, alleging that Johor UMNO Chief Onn Hafiz functions as a compliant subordinate rather than an independent leader.
Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Johor Barisan Nasional chairman and former health minister, will contest the upcoming state elections to retain his Machap seat, signalling strong leadership continuity.