Political culture must be changed

UMNO, which forms the backbone of the Barisan Nasional coalition, is in turmoil following the stunning results of the recent general election. The party, bruised but still formidable, is doing some soul searching. But as its December general assembly draws nearer, political jostling seems to have taken centre stage.

In the aftermath of the electoral setback, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has come under tremendous pressure, as the call for a leadership change seems to be growing louder. Above the din of blame shifting, finger pointing and posturing, the real message of the voters seems to have been ignored or lost.