UMNO has confirmed that no official motion urging the party to leave the Unity Government has been submitted to its headquarters for discussion at the 2025 Annual General Assembly (PAU), scheduled from 14 to 17 January.
Party Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said that while 662 motions have been received from UMNO divisions nationwide, none touch upon the party’s potential withdrawal from the coalition government.
“UMNO is the main party forming this government. But, as always, we cannot prevent state representatives or delegates from raising such motions, as is customary and part of tradition,” he explained during a press conference at Menara Dato’ Onn on Friday.
Dr Asyraf emphasised that the AGM serves as a platform for introspection and debate within the party.
“The delegates and party wings represent their respective states and divisions. Perhaps the issue may be raised, but at headquarters, we have never blocked any motion.
“This is a platform that should be fully utilised by the leadership and party members. PAU is traditionally a forum for party self-reflection and assessment. We do not reject motions,” he said.
He added that the most frequently submitted and prominent motions relate to calls for justice and a full pardon for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“Among the 662 motions received, the most widely and fervently raised by UMNO divisions are the demands for justice and full pardon for Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak, involving 104 divisions,” Dr Asyraf Wajdi noted.
Other significant motions include proposals from 56 divisions urging the government to expand the implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes for young people, including the addition of community colleges and the broadening of TVET curricula.
Addressing the possibility of discussions regarding UMNO’s withdrawal from the Unity Government, he reiterated that no formal motion had been received.
“Officially, there is not a single motion submitted to UMNO headquarters calling for the party to leave the Unity Government. However, we do not prevent state representatives from addressing the matter. So it may be raised or sparked during debates,” he said.
Dr Asyraf also confirmed that the AGM would not include representatives from coalition partners, allowing the assembly to focus entirely on internal party matters.
“UMNO is rich in Malay etiquette and tradition. If outsiders are invited, delegates might feel restricted in expressing their views openly,” he said, emphasising that UMNO maintains a culture of civility in debate.
“UMNO is not like some parties where open confrontation is the norm; we follow traditional Malay propriety and courtesy,” he added.
The statement underscores UMNO’s commitment to internal deliberation and adherence to party traditions, while signalling that the 2025 AGM will prioritise both introspection and key motions raised by its divisions. - January 9, 2025
