Presidential address debates held behind closed doors for open discussion, says Isham

KUALA LUMPUR: Debates on the presidential address were carried out behind closed doors as Umno is facing a critical time, says party information chief Datuk Isham Jalil.

He said some delegates had requested for attendees to discuss the motions tabled openly, but among themselves only.

"We decided to hold the meeting behind closed doors because if we open it to the media, we're afraid it would have restricted discussions. Other political parties would also know what we discussed," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday (Jan 13).

However, Isham said that the closed-door meeting was a once-off.

"This time, it was due to different circumstances and we really wanted to discuss it among ourselves," he said.

Unlike previous years, there was no debate session screened to media personnel covering the event.

The general assembly will end on Saturday (Jan 14).