KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s policy speech at the opening of the 2025 UMNO General Assembly tomorrow is expected to outline the party’s direction and preparations ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).
UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Razlan Muhamad Rafii said the speech is also anticipated to focus on the party’s readiness for the Melaka and Johor state elections.
“At this assembly, what is most important is that we will deliberate on the priorities of the Malays, Islam and the Malay Rulers, as well as seek common ground to reunite the Malay struggle under UMNO,” he told Bernama here today.
Mohd Razlan, who is also political secretary to the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said views raised during the debates would be studied and brought to the party’s top leadership as future guidance.
Meanwhile, he stressed that UMNO would continue to play its role as a balancing force within the Unity Government, particularly in relation to policies involving Malay interests.
“As long as UMNO remains part of the government, we will continue to defend the interests of the Malays, despite views questioning UMNO’s role as a minority party within the current ruling coalition,” he said.
The 2025 UMNO General Assembly is being held from Jan 14 to 17 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) here, after being postponed twice in August and November to allow the party to focus on preparations for the 17th Sabah state election.
A total of 6,412 delegates have registered, comprising 2,928 delegates for the UMNO General Assembly 2025 and Wanita (1,165), Youth (1,173) and Puteri (1,146) wings.
The assembly will officially begin tomorrow with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the president’s policy speech and the start of the debate sessions.
-- BERNAMA
