UMNO Wings' General Assemblies Begin

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- The three Umno wings -- Woman, Youth and Puteri -- began their general assemblies simultaneously at 8am Wednesday morning, at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here. The United Malays National Organisation,(abbreviated as UMNO) is Malaysia's largest political party; a founding member of the National Front coalition, which has played a dominant role in Malaysian politics since independence. The UMNO emphasizes as its foundation the struggle to uphold the aspirations of Malay nationalism and the dignity of race, religion and country. The assemblies are likely to focus on strengthening the party's machinery in gearing up for the upcoming 13th general election. The Wanita Umno's general assembly, which is attended by 944 delegates, is being held at the Tun Dr Ismail Hall while the Youth movement, with 942 delegates, at the Tun Hussein Onn Hall Hall and Puteri, with 934 delegates, at the Merdeka Hall. The wings' assemblies were declared open by Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin Tuesday night. Wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil had been reported as saying that the movement would focus on unity and discipline as it was important in the preparation for the "battlefield" to ensure victory for Umno and the National Front (Barisan Nasional - BN) in the general election. Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin reportedly said that the movement would highlight the transformation programmes introduced by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, so it would be better understood by the delegates especially the younger generation. Puteri Umno chief Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin meanwhile reportedly said that the movement would raise issues involving the young generation. The delegates will then debate on their chiefs' speech as well as other proposed economic, education and religious resolutions. -- BERNAMA