# Malaysian Political Topics Analysis **Date:** 11 January 2026 --- ## Executive Summary As Malaysia heads into the **UMNO General Assembly (PAU 2025)** scheduled for 14-17 January, the political landscape is dominated by six major storylines: 1. **UMNO General Assembly countdown** - PAU begins in 3 days with 104 divisions pushing for Najib's full pardon 2. **Akmal's announcement drama** - UMNO Youth chief to announce his position at PAU amid resignation speculation 3. **Zahid NFA controversy** - AGC's decision to close Zahid's case sparks criticism from opposition and even Amanah allies 4. **PN leadership vacuum** - PAS yet to finalize successor; Muhyiddin's resignation still not formally accepted 5. **Sabah by-elections underway** - Kinabatangan (3-way fight) and Lamag (straight fight) campaigns begin 6. **Bersatu internal purge continues** - Indera Mahkota division protests Saifuddin Abdullah's "unjust" sacking --- ## Top Political Topics ### 1. UMNO General Assembly (PAU 2025) - Countdown to Showdown The UMNO General Assembly opens in 3 days (14-17 January) with unprecedented internal tensions: **Key Numbers:** - 6,412 delegates registered - 662 motions submitted - **104 divisions** pushing for Najib's full royal pardon (most popular motion) - **Zero motions** for leaving the unity government - **Zero motions** for PAS cooperation **What to Watch:** - Akmal's announcement on his position in party and Melaka government - Debate on Najib pardon motion - Zahid's response to NFA controversy - Whether allies (MCA, MIC, Sabah/Sarawak partners) will be excluded from certain sessions **Key Headlines:** - [PAU 2025: 104 bahagian bawa usul bahas pengampunan penuh Najib](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765250) (9 Jan) - [UMNO assembly to exclude allies over Najib pardon motions](https://focusmalaysia.my/umno-assembly-to-exclude-allies-over-najib-pardon-motions/) (10 Jan) - [MIC supports motion for Najib's full pardon](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/118030/mic-supports-motion-for-najibs-full-pardon) (10 Jan) --- ### 2. Akmal's Position Announcement - The Waiting Game UMNO Youth chief **Dr Akmal Saleh** has kept everyone guessing about his future after hinting at resignation: **Timeline of Events:** - 3 Jan: Called for UMNO to leave unity government and revive Muafakat Nasional with PAS - 7 Jan: Johor UMNO Youth told him to "accept political reality" - 8 Jan: Zahid publicly told him to accept criticism - 9 Jan: Speculation about resignation; UMNO Secretary-General confirmed no letter received - 10 Jan: Akmal announces he will reveal his position at PAU **What Analysts Say:** - James Chin (University of Tasmania): Resignation hint is a "political gimmick" - Lau Zhe Wei: "Making statements to serve his own political agenda" - Most expect him to stay but use PAU as a platform **Key Headlines:** - [Akmal to resign as Umno Youth chief, Merlimau rep?](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765229) (9 Jan) - [Muhamad Akmal to announce party and govt position at upcoming UMNO AGM](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/118025/muhamad-akmal-to-announce-party-and-government-position-at-upcoming-annual-general-assembly) (10 Jan) - [Is this the end for Dr Akmal?](https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/analysis/2026/01/10/is-this-the-end-for-dr-akmal) (10 Jan) - [Akmal's Umno exit may shift its tone, not direction, analysts say](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765321) (10 Jan) --- ### 3. Zahid NFA Controversy - "Smells to the Heavens" The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) decision to classify Zahid's case as NFA (No Further Action) has sparked outrage: **Key Criticisms:** - **Hanipa Maidin** (Amanah MP): Called AGC's reasoning "ludicrous" ("luculah") - Lawyers questioning the decision: "Bau busuk sampai ke langit" (smells rotten to the heavens) - Critics say it undermines Anwar's reform agenda **UMNO's Defense:** - UMNO Johor: AGC decision should be respected - Party line: This proves the political persecution narrative was true **Political Implications:** - Damages PM Anwar's "reform" credentials among civil society - Creates cognitive dissonance: Zahid walks free while Najib remains imprisoned - Opposition will use this against the unity government **Key Headlines:** - [Hanipa: Luculah alasan AGC tutup kes Zahid](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765285) (10 Jan) - [NFA kes Zahid tenggelamkan semangat reformasi Anwar](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765220) (9 Jan) - [Peguam persoal keputusan AGC tutup kes Zahid: "Bau busuk sampai ke langit"](https://www.1media.my/2026/01/peguam-persoal-keputusan-agc-tutup-kes.html) (10 Jan) - [Keputusan AGC Tidak Ambil Tindakan Lanjut Terhadap Zahid Wajar Dihormati - UMNO Johor](https://umno-online.my/2026/01/10/keputusan-agc-tidak-ambil-tindakan-lanjut-terhadap-zahid-wajar-dihormati-umno-johor/) (10 Jan) --- ### 4. Perikatan Nasional Leadership - Still in Limbo The PN chairman succession remains unresolved: **Current Status:** - Muhyiddin offered to resign but **Bersatu supreme council has not formally accepted** - PAS has **not finalized** its candidate - Tuan Ibrahim says leadership talk is "premature" until resignation is confirmed **The Candidates Debate:** - **PAS hardliners** insist only an ulama can lead - Hadi or Tuan Ibrahim - **Ahmad Samsuri** (Terengganu MB) seen as compromise candidate - **Gerakan** says it's open to anyone who can be "inclusive and unifying" **Key Headlines:** - [PN to 'confirm' Muhyiddin's resignation before discussing successor](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/10/pn-to-confirm-muhyiddins-resignation-before-discussing-successor) (10 Jan) - [PAS yet to finalise its pick for Perikatan chairman, says Tuan Ibrahim](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/10/pas-yet-to-finalise-its-pick-for-perikatan-chairman-says-tuan-ibrahim) (10 Jan) - [Plot brewing to stop Samsuri from heading PN?](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/10/plot-brewing-to-stop-samsuri-from-heading-pn) (10 Jan) - [Gerakan calls for inclusive, unifying leader as Perikatan Nasional considers new chair](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/uncategorized/118036/gerakan-calls-for-inclusive-unifying-leader-as-perikatan-nasional-considers-new-chair) (10 Jan) --- ### 5. Sabah By-Elections - Campaign Begins Nominations completed yesterday (10 Jan) for two crucial Sabah seats: **Kinabatangan (Parliament) - Three-Cornered Fight:** | Candidate | Coalition | Notes | |-----------|-----------|-------| | Datuk Seri Panglima Saddi Abdul Rahman | BN/UMNO | Son of the late Bung Moktar | | Warisan candidate | Warisan | | | Independent | - | | **Lamag (State Assembly) - Straight Fight:** | Candidate | Coalition | |-----------|-----------| | Azmee Zakaria | BN | | Miha Datu Mika | Warisan | **Key Context:** - Seats vacated after death of Datuk Mohamad Alamin (Bersatu) - BN is fielding Bung Moktar's son as "legacy" candidate - Federal Court just denied Bersatu's challenge to Sabah seat rulings - EC projects 65% turnout **Key Headlines:** - [Three-cornered contest for Kinabatangan as Lamag sees straight fight](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/118020/three-cornered-contest-for-kinabatangan-as-lamag-sees-straight-fight-in-by-elections) (10 Jan) - [BN pledges stability and development ahead of Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/118023/bn-pledges-stability-and-development-ahead-of-kinabatangan-and-lamag-by-elections) (10 Jan) - [Jafry Sedia Bimbing Calon BN Parlimen Kinabatangan Dan DUN Lamag](https://umno-online.my/2026/01/10/jafry-sedia-bimbing-calon-bn-parlimen-kinabatangan-dan-dun-lamag/) (10 Jan) --- ### 6. Bersatu Internal Crisis Continues The Saifuddin Abdullah expulsion fallout: **Latest Developments:** - Bersatu Indera Mahkota division issued statement expressing "kesal" (regret) at sacking - Claims Saifuddin was denied fair hearing and due process - Six Bersatu division chiefs from Perak (who demanded Muhyiddin resign) called up by disciplinary board **The Hamzah Factor:** - Analysts say purge targets **Hamzah Zainudin's faction** - Internal power struggle between Muhyiddin and Hamzah camps - Wan Saiful urges ROS to monitor next PN meeting, doubts Muhyiddin's intent **Key Headlines:** - [Indera Mahkota Bersatu regrets Saifuddin Abdullah's sacking](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765294) (10 Jan) - [Saifuddin's sacking unjust, says Bersatu Indera Mahkota](https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1353851/saifuddins-sacking-unjust-says-bersatu-indera-mahkota) (10 Jan) - [Claims of rift between Anwar, Saifuddin naive, baseless - aide](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765301) (10 Jan) - [Wan Saiful urges ROS to monitor next PN meeting, doubts Muhyiddin's intent](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765300) (10 Jan) --- ## Other Notable Developments ### Tun Dr Mahathir Health Update - Still receiving treatment at IJN for fractured hip - No surgery; undergoing physiotherapy instead - Recovery expected to take a long time given his age (100) - Seeking adjournment of lawsuit against Anwar **Key Headlines:** - [Aide: Ex-PM Dr Mahathir on long road to recovery after fracturing hip](https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/10/aide-ex-pm-dr-mahathir-on-long-road-to-recovery-after-fracturing-hip/204908) (10 Jan) - [Tun Mahathir continues treatment at IJN](https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/01/10/tun-mahathir-continues-treatment-at-ijn/) (10 Jan) ### PM Term Limit Bill - Debate continues on extending limit to state MBs - Sarawak leaders express caution about applying to their state - Youth wings generally supportive **Key Headlines:** - [Extending term limits to Sarawak requires careful consideration](https://dayakdaily.com/extending-term-limits-to-sarawak-requires-careful-consideration-to-prevent-start-stop-governance/) (10 Jan) --- ## Political Article Trends (Last 14 Days) | Date | Political Articles | |------|-------------------| | 10 Jan 2026 | 924 | | 9 Jan 2026 | 1,272 | | 8 Jan 2026 | 1,350 | | 7 Jan 2026 | 1,277 | | 6 Jan 2026 | 1,422 | | 5 Jan 2026 | 1,330 | | 4 Jan 2026 | 902 | | 3 Jan 2026 | 908 | | 2 Jan 2026 | 953 | | 1 Jan 2026 | 842 | | 31 Dec 2025 | 1,126 | | 30 Dec 2025 | 1,441 | | 29 Dec 2025 | 1,189 | | 28 Dec 2025 | 979 | **Note:** Political article count peaked on 6 Jan (Saifuddin expulsion, Mahathir hospitalization) and remains elevated as PAU approaches. --- ## Key Political Figures This Week | Name | Role | Current Context | |------|------|-----------------| | **Ahmad Zahid Hamidi** | UMNO President, DPM | NFA controversy; defending unity govt stance | | **Dr Akmal Saleh** | UMNO Youth Chief | To announce position at PAU; resignation speculation | | **Najib Razak** | Former PM | 104 UMNO divisions pushing for full pardon | | **Muhyiddin Yassin** | Bersatu President | Resignation not yet formally accepted | | **Hadi Awang** | PAS President | Says PN chair decision pending | | **Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man** | PAS Deputy President | Says leadership talk is premature | | **Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar** | Terengganu MB | Potential PN chair; "plot" to block him? | | **Saifuddin Abdullah** | Ex-Bersatu | Expelled; division protests "unjust" sacking | | **Hanipa Maidin** | Amanah MP | Criticizing AGC's Zahid NFA decision | | **Tun Dr Mahathir** | Former PM | Hospitalized with fractured hip | --- ## What to Watch This Week ### 11-13 January - Sabah by-election campaigning in full swing - Final preparations for UMNO General Assembly - Any further developments on PN leadership ### 14-17 January - UMNO PAU 2025 - **Day 1 (14 Jan):** Wings opening - **Day 2-3:** Debates and motions - **Day 4 (17 Jan):** President's speech (Zahid's response to controversies) ### Key Questions: 1. Will Akmal actually resign or back down? 2. How will Zahid address the NFA controversy? 3. Will the Najib pardon motion pass and what happens next? 4. Will there be any surprise walkouts or dramatic moments? --- *Report generated from Malaysian News Summary database on 11 January 2026*