Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim tells malaysiakini what Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi must do if he intends to survive in Umno in the first of a three-part exclusive interview.

Malaysiakini: There appears to be a clear division in Umno between party president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's men and those linked to former president Dr Mahathir Mohamad. In the recent party polls, Abdullah failed to stamp his authority in Umno. Is it too late for him?

Anwar: I think the division is real and it has gone to the stage that is considered fractious. The cantankerous exchange between party leaders in private has surfaced somewhat. But I still believe because of the feudal structure of the party, Prime Minister Abdullah can override the initial storm. But it would depend on what he does.

I think he must be more decisive and must clearly show to the general Umno constituents and the grassroots that he is a man of some credibility in terms of combating the ills very much associated with the party and the government. Now, is he prepared to do what he had said he would? That is the real question, but he seemed rather indecisive.