KUALA LUMPUR – Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin has urged the Umno Supreme Council to hold party polls soon to resolve its current internal turmoil.
In a short statement released on his social media platforms, he said the party polls should be held this year as the leadership would not do well to postpone it after the general election.
“Umno must go into the general election with a leadership that has a clear mandate and is able to get support from the people.
“Do the right thing, Majlis Tertinggi (Supreme Council). You know we cannot continue like this,” said the science, technology and innovation minister.
His comments comes just two days after the party’s general assembly at the weekend.
Segerakan pemilihan parti. Let’s settle this once and for all. #UMNO pic.twitter.com/L9fD6GE2od
— Khairy Jamaluddin ??? (@Khairykj) March 30, 2021
It had been reported that Umno is looking to delay party polls as it believes the general election will likely be called after the emergency proclamation is lifted on August 1.
According to the party’s constitution, the Supreme Council has the power to postpone party polls for 18 months from the date it is due.
On Sunday, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had admitted that the party is facing attacks, not only from external forces, but from within as well.
Zahid had also reminded party members in the government to keep the party’s name in good stead and not to take advantage of their positions.
“To my friends who have been given positions as ministers, deputy ministers and in GLCs (government-linked companies), please take care of Umno’s image so that the rakyat will support us. They (rakyat) are watching us.
“We must close ranks. I repeat, it is compulsory that Umno closes ranks.”
Speculation has been rife in recent months of a split in Umno between the party’s leadership and those with government positions. – The Vibes, March 30, 2021
