KUALA LUMPUR: Umno delegates want the party to focus on the national polls before the party election is held, arguing that it needs to remain intact in facing GE15.

       They have also proposed that the Umno constitution be amended to allow party polls be held only after a general election.

       Umno Youth delegate Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh said the party needs to be one to face the polls, adding that if party election is held first, it may cause disunity.

       “During party election, clashes are bound to happen. Such a scenario would cause tension and may break the party. There is no guarantee that wounds would heal by the time the general election is held. This is a valid concern of the party.

       “We cannot afford to enter national polls in such a situation. We must have a united front,” he said at the general assembly.

       Dr Akmal pointed out that such was the practice in MCA, which had amended its constitution so that party polls are to be held within six months after the conclusion of a general election.

       Kelantan delegate Datuk Zawawi Othman voiced a similar concern, saying Umno must be united to face a general election, and to avoid split opinion on the matter, the party’s constitution should be amended.

       “If this is done, then everyone in Umno can focus on the general election. And only when the election for the country is concluded should we focus on party polls,” he said.

       Wanita delegate Datuk Latipah Omar said the movement also supports the call for a general election to be held first.

       “We have the perfect momentum for a general election now. Hence, I agree for us to hold it first before party polls. If we have to amend the law, let’s do it,” she said.

       The Umno constitution states that the party is to hold an election for office bearers every three years, which can be postponed for up to 18 months.

       The election was supposed to be held last year, but it was postponed and the Registrar of Societies had given Umno until Dec 29 to do it.