KUALA LUMPUR: Umno should follow MCA’s lead by holding party elections only after the conclusion of the general election, says Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

       The Umno Youth chief said this would avoid unnecessary internal politics that could jeopardise party unity, as the focus should only be to win the “bigger prize” – the general election.

       “Umno Youth would like to propose to the top leadership and the Umno general assembly to amend the party’s constitution, just as our partner MCA had done, in which the party election will only be held after the general election.

       “Do not be influenced by all these movements to bring forward our party elections!

       “We see the return of this old outdated culture of people parading their entourages and plotting moves to bring each other down.

       “Remember, if our ship sinks for the second time, whatever party posts you win becomes worthless,” said Asyraf Wajdi in his policy speech at the Umno Youth annual meeting.

       During the MCA general assembly in 2019, the party amended its constitution for the party election to be held within six months after the conclusion of a general election.

       Asyraf Wajdi said the upcoming 15th General Election was the bigger challenge that the party must face as a united side.

       “The challenge of the general election is bigger. Not only are we faced with old accusations, but there are also new ones thrown from within.

       “All of these are meant to split the party and to weaken our machinery which our opponents can exploit.”