Malaysia’s Umno Party Seeks to Regain Trade Chief’s Post

The head of the party that has long ruled Malaysia said the group plans to seek the influential trade ministry portfolio once current minister Zafrul Aziz steps down by year’s end.

“We would like to propose that some of the experienced ministers from Umno can continue the good work by Zafrul,” United Malays National Organisation president Zahid Hamidi told Bloomberg TV in Shanghai on Thursday. He added that his party would “obey” any decision made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who retains discretion in appointing cabinet members.

Zahid, who also serves as deputy prime minister, is a key ally ...