Malaysia

Umno discards keris, as new leader promises change

Article published on the 2009-03-25 Latest update 2009-03-25 15:38 TU

Outgoing youth wing chief of the Malaysia's United Malays National Organisation, Hishammuddin Hussein (C), kisses a 'keris', a Malay dagger which is a symbol of the party, during its annual assembly in Kuala Lumpur March 25, 2009.
(photo: Reuters)

Malaysia’s ruling party has done away with a controversial symbol of Malay nationalism today, in line with reforms called for by Najib Razak, the new leader of the United Malays National Organisation (Umno).

Previously the keris dagger has been brandished at annual meetings  in a gesture widely seen as inflammatory towards non-Malays. Hishamuddin Hussein, the outgoing leader of Umno’s youth wing, was presented with a keris at this year's meeting, taking place at the moment, because of his well-known penchant for displaying the weapon.  

Race relations have been strained in Malaysia in recent years and provocative displays of Malay nationalism are seen as potentially provocative. Ethnic-Chinese and Indians in the country deserted the Umno-led coalition in elections last year.

Najib Razak called for change at the party conference Tuesday, saying substantial reforms were needed in order to regain the public favour.

“He was quite blunt in his speech,” said Mukhriz Mahathir, the son of former premier Mahathir Mohamad who is running as youth wing chief.

“If we don’t change to accommodate the people we will be booted out in the next general election.”