The 1988 purge

This is a story of how Umno infighting led to the toppling of Malaysia's highest-ranking judge.

In 1987, Umno is split after a heated election between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. Mahathir wins.

11 Umno members challenge the election's validity. The High Court declares Umno illegal.

Two days before the appeal hearing the judge is suspended. He is Lord President Salleh Abas - the top judge.

Salleh soon gets sacked by a tribunal for misconduct, but his lawyer says the tribunal is unconstitutional.

Five judges grant an order to put the sacking on hold. And then they, too, get suspended.

19 years later, Mahathir's successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi compensates Salleh and the five judges.
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