PETALING JAYA: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is set to deliver a special address to party grassroots leaders at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (Aug 27).

This came after the Federal Court upheld the conviction of former president Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Tuesday (Aug 23) over corruption and abuse of power involving SRC International Sdn Bhd.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said that an official invite would be issued soon.

"Standby, official invites will be out soon," he posted on Twitter on Wednesday (Aug 24).

It was unclear what the special address would be about but it was believed that it would revolve around the party’s direction, Najib's imprisonment and the upcoming general election.

Ahmad Zahid had previously called for an early general election, warning that Barisan Nasional could lose if it was delayed much further.

The invitation was open to all Umno divisional committee leaders and those who were interested to attend.

The five-year mandate of the current government will expire in July 2023 and the GE15 must be held within 60 days of the dissolution of Parliament.

On the same day (Aug 27), Perikatan Nasional will also hold its convention in Serdang while PKR will also hold a separate election convention as part of its preparations for the general election that is rumoured to be just around the corner.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/24/zahid-set-to-deliver-key-speech-to-umno-grassroots-leaders-on-aug-27