KUALA LUMPUR: The performance put up by Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) in recent state elections in Melaka and Johor as well as the direction of Muafakat Nasional (MN), pioneered with PAS, are expected to be among the hot topics for delegates at Umno's General Assembly 2021, which starts Wednesday (March 16).

       Apart from that, the assembly, which would be fully conducted face-to-face, is also the most important platform for the largest Malay political party to openly deliberate and conceive strategies for the 15th general election (GE15).

       The annual gathering at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), expected to be attended by 5,571 delegates, is also expected to draw the attention of many quarters, including political observers who are waiting for the direction to be charted by Umno to face its current political challenges to remain relevant.

       Based on the excellent performance by Umno and Barisan in the Melaka and Johor state elections, the issue of dissolving Parliament to pave the way for GE15 as well as the agenda of empowering the youth as election candidates could be popular issues of speakers in the debate.

       Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also Prime Minister, was reported to have said on Sunday (March 13) that the assembly would see the future direction of the party as one of the major issues discussed.

       Ismail Sabri said the issue of Muafakat Nasional may also be debated. The Muafakat charter was signed by Umno and PAS on Sept 14, 2019.

       The Umno 2021 general assembly, which would be held over four days, commences on Wednesday with the joint opening of the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings general assemblies by Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan at WTCKL's Dewan Merdeka.

       It would be followed by the assembly of the three wings on Thursday (March 17).

       The general assembly proper would begin with the policy speech of party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Friday (March 18) and continued on Saturday (March 19) before winding up by party leaders.

       On Dec 25, the Umno 2021 general assembly, which was scheduled to be held from Jan 13 to 15, 2022, was postponed due to floods in several states.

       Umno leaders at both the top and grassroots levels were seen going to the ground to help flood victims.

       The assembly is also expected to be attended by 500 media practitioners, including 15 international news agencies, for coverage. - Bernama