Umno’s future direction, unity govt ties among key issues at upcoming general assembly, says Asyraf Wajdi

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — Umno’s direction and its political cooperation within the unity government are expected to be among the key issues debated at the party’s upcoming general assembly, with motions received from all 157 divisions.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said political cooperation, particularly within the framework of the unity government, and the Rumah Bangsa agenda proposed at the previous Umno General Assembly were the two most popular issues raised by the divisions.

“The main motions include the issue of Umno’s direction and political cooperation, particularly within the framework of the unity government, as well as the Rumah Bangsa agenda proposed at the previous Umno General Assembly.

“These are the two most popular issues raised by the divisions,” he told reporters at a special press conference ahead of the Umno General Assembly at Menara Dato Onn here today.

Asyraf said the party would not restrict delegates from debating any issue, including topics that had generated discussion on social media.

“We will never restrict delegates from debating whatever they wish. Looking at the sentiments on social media, these are indeed among the hot topics.

“But I do not want to pre-empt the Umno General Assembly. We are open to any debate by the delegates,” he said.

He said the assembly should serve as a platform for delegates, including those from Umno’s three wings — Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri — to discuss the party’s future direction openly and thoroughly.

“Most importantly, we should make the most of this Umno General Assembly, including the assemblies of the wings, to discuss openly and thoroughly the direction of the party towards a better future for the people and the country,” he said.

On the party’s direction, Asyraf said the matter encompassed various important aspects of Umno’s struggle and should be left to delegates to debate at the assembly.

He said the Umno General Assembly remained the party’s highest platform to determine its policies and direction.

“If the Umno General Assembly decides on anything, the leadership must accept and follow it,” he said.

Asyraf also said 6,401 delegates would attend this year’s Umno General Assembly.

He expects more than 50,000 people to attend the four-day event at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) from Sept 9 to 12.

“We expect a large turnout at PWTC this time. I expect more than 50,000 people to attend over the four days, as we have received a very large number of requests and applications to attend over the past two months,” he said.