Having consolidated his political position in recent months, Prime Minister Najib Razak is expected to rally for Malay grassroots support and party unity at the five-day United Malays National Organisation (Umno) General Assembly opening today, said party members and experts.

The annual meeting, to be attended by over 3,200 delegates, takes on additional significance as it is expected to be the last one before general election, which has to be called by 2018.

… “Najib himself seems confident of his position. His confidence is not unfounded, considering the victories in the Sarawak state elections and the two by-elections this year,” said Mr Rashaad Ali, a research analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies’ Malaysia Programme, adding that the assembly could help Mr Najib consolidate his power.