Malaysia PM culls scandal-hit figures from polls

Malaysia's long-ruling coalition yesterday axed four controversial current and former ministers from May 5 elections as it seeks to portray a fresh image for the hotly contested polls.
The regime dominated by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) faces the greatest threat yet to its 56-year rule, with an up-and-coming opposition tapping into discontent over authoritarianism, graft and living costs.
On Monday, Prime Minister Najib Razak had promised a "transformational team."