Do not turn Umno election into fiesta - Veteran

Umno members who offered themselves for posts at all levels have been reminded not to turn the event into a 'fiesta', thus forgeting the real objective of the contest. Umno Veterans Club secretary Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said although the party won more seats in the general election, Umno members need not be self-aggrandising. "There are many issues which need to be pondered upon by every Umno leader. Preparations for the 14th general election should begin now, if Umno wants to continue being the dominant party representing the Malays, and which can be accepted by the Malays, besides being supported by BN (Barisan Nasional) components," he said in a statement here today. On the Umno General Assembly from Dec 2 to 7, Mustapha said, apart from debating the president's policy speech and current issues, delegates should also be given the opportunity to debate and criticise the party leadership. "The party leadership should be ready to accept criticism if it wants the party to be transformed," he said.