Malaysia's leader pledges to reform ruling party

By: Liz Hasseld
From the Associated Press

The United Malays National Organization began their four-day annual congress on Tuesday. Malaysia's prime minister, Najib Razak, promised to "stamp out deep-seated corruption and make it more acceptable to ethnic minorities in efforts to revive ailing support." UMNO ruling since 1957, suffered the worst election results ever in March 2008. The prime minister said the UMNO 'would radically change the way it elects its leaders as it seeks to "eradicate money politics" and restore its credibility.' Within the current system of appointing leaders, Candidates sometimes offer bribes for votes. Only about 2,500 delegates vote for the leaders every three years. Najib said for the party's next elections (2012), votes would be increased to150,000 members. Opposition critics don't buy what Najib is selling because of all the past corruption within the UMNO. Apparently, Najib also said the UMNO must become more inclusive and take care of all Malaysians, not just the ethnic majority Malays who are its core supporters. This sounds so wonderful!! I will be interested what others have to say in the next three days of the congress and if these statements with create any action.