Dissent banned in UMNO UMNO began a purge within its ranks with the sacking of a prominent grassroots leader for his criticism of the current party leadership. The sacking is almost certainly meant to intimidate and warn other UMNO members about the consequences of not meekly following the leadership script. This is an illustration of the dearth of leadership within the party; if UMNO members are not allowed to think critically and voice constructive dissent on the pain of expulsion, then this fateful step taken by the UMNO supreme council could set off a chain of events that could shake the party to its foundation.

Critically thinking Malays will naturally look to other alternatives to voice their political beliefs. We are not dealing with a limp microcosm that is the university environment where dissent can be silenced with one thundering swoop. Dissent against this sacking is likely to build up in the grassroots where many are confused about how the current administration is going to make their lives better. The Malays have proven over time that they are a politically astute people with room for differing views and compromise. This sacking over a party member’s blog will be seen as a regressive step by opponents of the Abdullah administration and will cast a pall over the party’s general assembly meeting in November, over the issue of leadership. Ironically, this is the same leader who proclaimed more individual freedom for all Malaysians and yet, sees the need to expel a party member, not for inciting open rebellion, but for merely expressing his view that UMNO, under Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is losing the plot in the post-Mahathir era. Expect an interesting UMNO general assembly this November.  ¶ 7:06 PM