KUALA LUMPUR: The 2021 UMNO General Assembly began with the hoisting of the party flag at Plaza Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL) here today.

The ceremony began with Wanita UMNO chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, followed by Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Puteri chief Datuk Zahida Zarik Khan, hoisting flags of their respective wings, accompanied by songs of the movements.

UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who arrived at 8.05 am then hoisted the party flag, Sang Saka Bangsa, accompanied by the singing of the UMNO song, 'Bersatu, Bersetia, Berkhidmat' by the delegates present.

Also present was UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Also in attendance were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who is also UMNO vice-president along with two other vice-presidents, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and the party's secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

The four-day assembly, starting Wednesday, is attended by 5,571 delegates.

In line with the COVID-19 situation, the 2021 UMNO General Assembly is held in compliance with strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) including the wearing of face masks as well as physical distancing.

-- BERNAMA