Malaysian PM enters party assembly with strong position

Malaysia's ruling party kicked off its annual assembly Thursday as Prime Minister Najib Razak has consolidated his position despite dissidents within his party.

Local analysts said the annual assembly of the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) will most likely to show solidarity and support for Najib, who is the party president.

Najib has been under criticism since earlier this year following the revelation that state investment company 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), whose advisory board Najib chairs, had suffered huge loss, as well as the reports by Wall Street Journal that nearly 700 million U.S. dollars entered Najib's personal accounts.

Among his most outspoken critics was former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who led UMNO and Malaysia for more than two decades. Once a political mentor to Najib, Mahathir has openly called for him to step down.

Najib has denied any wrongdoing. The state anti-graft agency said the 700 million was a legal political donation. In October, Malaysia's attorney general said 1MDB is cleared from an investigation by the central bank.

Facing challenges within his party, Najib reshuffled cabinet in July, removing deputy Prime Minister Muhyddin Yassin who has openly questioned him.

Both Muhyddin and Mahathir renewed their attacks on Najib on the eve of the party meetings, but some analysts said Najib's explanation of the thorny issues seems to have convinced most UMNO members.

Najib brushed off attacks against him in recent interviews with local media, saying political motivations were behind those criticism.

Oh Ei Sun, a political analyst and former political secretary to Najib, said a series of decisive actions, including the cabinet reshuffle and other senior replacement, have indeed strengthened Najib's position. Enditem