Anwar predicts more turmoil in Umno

Mar 18, 08 2:29pm
PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim today warned that the new cabinet line up will spark off more turmoil in Umno.

Responding to questions prior to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's announcement of the new line-up this afternoon, he said: "The way Umno conducts itself, they are in serious trouble and they cannot claim to have the support of the Malays anymore."

Anwar also appeared to have got wind that Umno veteran Rafidah Aziz would be dropped from the cabinet line-up.

"Do you know that she would resign?" he quipped at a press conference at his office in Petaling Jaya just as Abdullah was announcing his new cabinet in Putrajaya at 12 noon.

Rafidah, who has held the international trade and industry portfolio since 1987, was the highest-profile casualty of the reshuffle.

The prime minister would not comment on the departure of Rafidah - also chief of Umno's influential women's wing - who is to be replaced by outgoing agriculture minister Muhyiddin Yasin.

"I don't discuss why. I think she should make way for someone new," said Abdullah.