Umno defers next year's polls by 18 months

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will postpone its elections scheduled next year by 18 months.

Party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this was to allow the party to concentrate on serving the people, strengthening unity and prepare for the 14th general election.

"This decision is in accordance with the party constitution and not something unusual.

"Previous party presidents Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had also made similar decisions and given the same reason when postponing the party elections," he said after chairing Umno supreme council meeting.

The last party elections were held in 2013.