KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s Supreme Council is set to discuss whether other party leaders from the unity government will be invited to attend the party’s upcoming 2022 Umno general assembly during its meeting on Thursday.
Announcing the matter during a media briefing on the assembly today, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the monthly meeting will also feature talks on whether to provide a live broadcast of delegate speeches.
“We will decide on these matters during our meeting on Thursday. Wait for the decision then,” he said briefly when questioned on the issues.
He explained that since past delegate speeches that were livestreamed touched on “sensitive” notions concerning race, the party would like to avoid a repeat of such incidents.
“We have reminded delegates to not speak on sensitive topics…(recordings of speeches) might be delayed,” he said.
Commenting on party elections, Ahmad said that candidacy could be discussed either during the meeting above or during a special Supreme Council meeting on January 13 after the assembly for the party’s three wings has concluded.
“It is tradition for the Umno Supreme Council to meet after the party wings have completed their assembly.
“It (party elections) can be discussed this Thursday or during the meeting next week,” he said.
Umno is due to hold its internal election by May this year, with the party constitution stipulating that the polls shall be held within six months after a general election.
The Umno general assembly will be taking place on January 11 to 14, with party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi set to deliver his policy speech on January 13 after party wings have been officiated.
Ahmad also revealed that Zahid’s speech will be the only motion debated on by divisional delegates, citing time constraints and a lack of relevant ministers in Umno. – The Vibes, January 3, 2023