Anwar's ouster deeply split the community and unleashed the 'reformasi' movement, a widespread clamour for democratic reforms and political change. More ominously, analysts are saying that the arrests could signal a larger crackdown. This time, perhaps as a result of intense criticism of the ISA from opposition politicians and human rights groups, the authorities appear less inclined to use that law. There is also speculation that the crackdown is linked to internal upheaval that UMNO is due to face during the party elections in May, and that there is bound to be considerable soul-searching following the erosion in Malay support in the last election. Though on paper Mahathir and Abdullah should pick up the top two posts uncontested following ''advice'' from the party's supreme council to leave the posts uncontested, it is hard to tell if UMNO divisions will heed the recommendation when it is time for them to nominate candidates.
Commentators talk of grassroots unhappiness and rumbling about the no-contest advice.
Some observers believe that there should be a contest for at least the deputy president's post, left vacant after Anwar's ouster. Already, the field is crowded for the three vice-presidential posts with 10 contenders believed to be vying for them. Copyright 2000 Inter Press Service and Asia-Pacific Network . This document is for educational and research use. Please seek permission for publication.