COMMENT In the morning, Kelantan Umno gave its unwavering support for the implementation of Islamic law in the state, often referred to as ‘Serambi Mekkah’ or the porch of Mecca. In the evening, the leaders of BN component parties pledged their undivided support for Umno president Najib Abdul Razak, perhaps hoping that he would derail the hudud bill.

Both PAS and Umno have lost their support among the non-Malays, especially the Chinese electorate, and therefore a consolidation of power is in the making along religious lines in preparation for a concocted ‘us versus them’ battle.

It is an open secret that Najib is under siege from forces within Umno, especially the hardliners, who view his leadership to be in philosophical contradiction with their aspirations...