Umno postpones party elections to focus on GE16 preparations

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — Umno has postponed its internal party elections to concentrate fully on preparing for the 16th general election, according to secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

He said the move allows the party to strengthen its machinery for upcoming state elections in Melaka and Johor, as well as GE16.

"Our focus is on elections first," he told reporters.

"If we are preoccupied with party elections, all sorts of issues will arise."

The decision follows constitutional amendments approved at a 2022 Umno Special General Assembly.

Party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced yesterday that elections would only be held after GE16.

Separately, Asyraf Wajdi confirmed Umno has not received any application from former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin to rejoin the party.

The postponement aims to avoid internal conflicts and ensure unified efforts ahead of key electoral contests.