Malaysian leader pushes for reform in ruling party poll available (Roundup)

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Thursday pushed for reforms within his ruling party in a move to stamp out corruption and regain public support for the ailing government. Najib, who was appointed prime minister in April, officially opened the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) annual assembly, giving his first address as party president. He told more than 2,500 party delegates that it was crucial for UMNO to shed its image as a one-race party with racist leaders championing only the rights of the country's majority ethnic group. Malays make up some 60 per cent of Malaysia's 29-million population. Large minorities of ethnic Chinese and Indians make up 25 per cent and 10 per cent of the population respectively. 'UMNO can no longer be seen as a party that leans towards only one group,' said Najib. 'UMNO's service must be done evenly. We will definitely be a party that advocates resilient economic growth, just distribution of wealth, comprehensive social security network and controlled cost of living,' he said. UMNO is the backbone of the National Front coalition, which has ruled since 1957. The son of Malaysia's third prime minister, Najib is leading a coalition government suffering from an all-time low in public confidence. The front suffered humiliating losses during last year's March general election when the three-party opposition alliance won control of five of the country's 13 states and denied the government a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The loss of support stems mainly from perceptions of corruption, inefficiency and ethnic discrimination. In his efforts to shed UMNO's image as a corrupt party and to win back support, Najib introduced several changes to the party's constitution that would radically change the way it elects its leaders as it seeks to eradicate vote-buying. The delegates adopted the amendments later Thursday, with party leaders hailing the move as an indication by members that they were ready for change. In his speech, Najib also warned delegates that the ruling position of UMNO and the National Front must not be taken for granted, and urged party leaders and members to fulfil the people's wishes and needs. 'We cannot feel comfortable or be complacent that we are the people's choice just because there is no other dependable party, in others words, being the best among the bad,' he said. The annual assembly, which began Tuesday with elections in the party's youth and women's wings, will end Friday with a closing address by Najib.