Malaysia – Several political experts have dismissed Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin’s defection to PBM on Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, arguing that the Perikatan Nasional component was already in grave conditions before her departure. Analysts said in reports that the Umno splinter party performed poorly in previous state elections and may be divided owing to fighting factions. “I don’t believe Zuraida broke apart …

Malaysia – Pro tem president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman announced that the Malaysia United Democratic Alliance (Muda) has been officially registered as a political party. The Muar MP claimed Muda was informed of its registration by email and formal letter on December 23, but because they had been busy with flood rescue work, the announcement has just been made. …

Registrar of Societies (RoS) said that the UMNO supreme council’s decision to postpone internal party elections was unlawful since its term had already ended when the decision was reached. The RoS issued a brief statement in which it referenced to the minutes of the July 7 UMNO supreme council meeting, emphasizing that its officers’ three-year term concluded on June 30. …