KUALA LUMPUR: Umno's cooperation with the unity government, including whether the party should remain in the coalition, could be put to debate at the party's general assembly next week.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the 157 motions received from the divisions included matters concerning the party's political direction and cooperation, particularly its position within the unity government.
He said the general assembly was the highest platform for the party to determine its direction, and the leadership would have to abide by any decision made by delegates.
“If the general assembly decides, then the leadership has to follow. The general assembly is the highest platform in determining the party's direction,” he said at a press conference ahead of the 2026 Umno general assembly on Thursday (Sept 3).
Asyraf said Umno's decision to cooperate in the unity government had previously been given legitimacy by the party's supreme council when the administration was formed, as no general assembly was held at the time.
He said delegates should therefore be given space to discuss the party's political direction and cooperation with other parties.
The possibility of an earlier general election (GE) could also be raised at the assembly, with Asyraf saying it was among issues being discussed by the grassroots.
He said this followed remarks by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on the possibility of an earlier election.
Asyraf said November would mark four years since the current government was formed, adding that federal elections had historically been held within about three years and five months to four years.
“This is not something unusual. Whether it is an early election or not, that is among the things that can be debated by the delegates,” he said.
Asyraf said the party would not restrict delegates from raising issues they considered important to Umno's future.
“What is raised is not an individual's voice, but the voice of the grassroots from their respective branches, divisions and states.
“It would not be appropriate for the headquarters to limit what they can or cannot raise,” he said.
The four-day 2026 Umno general assembly will be held from Sept 9 to 12 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
