SPECULATIONS are rife as to why UMNO is making its forthcoming General Assembly 2024 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from Aug 21-24 a close-door affair limited only to party members and representatives from Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties.

“This time, we want to provide as much space as possible for Umno’s big family to discuss matters internally. Therefore, no other party leaders will be present this time,” UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki told a press conference on Wednesday (Aug 16).

Despite this, former DAP stalwart-turned-staunch DAP critic Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy tended to believe that the decision “is targeted at DAP but UMNO made the move palatable by not inviting all leaders of the unity government”.

“In the recent by-elections, UMNO was exposed as a party without the support of the Malays. In a more specific sense, it was the political relationship with DAP that was the reason why UMNO cannot resurrect itself as the dominant Malay political party,” argued the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council chairman.

“The lifting of the ban of the comic book by former DAP member Hew Kuan Yau a.k.a. Superman Hew has not gone well with UMNO leaders. There have been calls to review the lifting of the ban.”

However, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and PKR Information chief Fahmi Fadzil played down UMNO’s seemingly breaking away from tradition move as “a non-issue” because “we meet almost every day”.

Like Ramasamy, former de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, too, believed that the non-invitation could have been intended as a cover-up, alluding to “avoid embarrassing their guests as chances are things are not doing too well in Nenggiri (which is facing a by-election tomorrow [Aug 17])”.

“Having an AGM after this defeat to PAS/Bersatu would be unpleasant all around!” penned the somehow opposition-slant UMNO member on the X platform.

While one would expect delegates “to talk freely” about UMNO’s future. the former defence counsel to now incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak reckoned that old habits die hard as “they’ll probably have the same stuff on the menu: Chin Peng, comics, socks and things of the same genre”

“I hope UMNO delegates gathered on Aug 21st will venture into something more valuable and exciting. How about getting the Indians into the party? They will help us better manage our FELDA/ FELCRA estates. The Chinese are too intimidating for now,” suggested Zaid.

“The Wanita UMNO should fight for half of the judges in the Syariah court to be filled with women. Now, there is hardly any. That way, divorce and maintenance issues will get better and more expeditious treatment.”

Best of all, Zaid wonders if UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would announce at the general assembly his granting of total amnesty to all those who have had difficulties with him.

“Could you bring them back without conditions? After all, you have installed Anwar (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) as PM (Prime Minister) and the job is complete,” teased Zaid.

“We can’t be losing every election and blaming Dr M (twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) for rejecting the party. You lose Mahkota (state by-election) next month and Anwar will abandon you, too.” - Aug 16, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/no-need-to-dry-dirty-linen-in-public-so-umno-better-use-its-general-assembly-for-proper-soul-searching-of-its-future/