Abdullahs's comment are published in the Review's December 9 issue, published tomorrow. Abdullah also dismissed suggestions that Umno might counter Islamic opposition party Pas with a greater emphasis on the New Economic Policy, which economists say distorts the competitive environment. The NEP, which seeks to lift Malays to economic parity with the richer Chinese, is up for renewal next year.
Some analysts see the policy as a drag on Malaysia's growth.
Previously it was about ethnic imbalances. Now there are other forms of imbalances, sectoral for instance. The Malays have become more confident. Faced with such issues both Umno and Mahathir will need to take a long, hard look at the election outcome. Umno politicians who came close to losing their seats have voiced concern about the party's performance.