Malaysia retires infamous dagger

Malaysia's ruling party has retired the famous keris, a traditional Malay dagger that has previously been brandished at party events in a gesture seen as ethnically divisive.

Hishamuddin Hussein, the leader of the party's influential youth wing, shot to fame for waving the keris above his head at meetings of the United Malays National Organisation.

But the resulting outcry, and elections a year ago in which the UMNO-led coalition was deserted by ethnic Chinese and Indians, have made gestures of Malay nationalism less acceptable. Mr Hishamuddin, who is stepping down after 11 years in the role, was presented with the keris for safe-keeping.

He is now vying to become one of three party vice-presidents. "This is our culture," he said, in tears. "The keris has been handed over to me for my personal care."

Agence France-Presse