Don't postpone UMNO 2016 election, says Muhyiddin

He also suggested for the UMNO constitution to be amended next year to enable younger generation to contribute and play a bigger role in the party.

“I believe UMNO will not split if the election is held. UMNO leaders are matured enough to handle it,” said Muhyiddin during his speech at the official opening of the UMNO party wings at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here, Tuesday night.

Muhyiddin who is also UMNO deputy president proposed this as a way to rejuvenate UMNO which he said is faced with confidence crisis among the younger generation.

UMNO held its party election in October, 2013 after it was postponed to pave way for the 13th General Election. The election was initially scheduled to be held in 2012.

The current UMNO leadership mandate will end in 2016 while the current parliament mandate will end in 2018.

According to Muhyiddin, UMNO leaders must put the interest of the party above self-interest and if there are those who obstruct the party’s rejuvenation, they should exit gracefully.

“UMNO must remain relevant to safe guard the Malays. We our self is not important. What is important is the Malay community and UMNO,” said Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin next asked whether the call made by the party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak since 2008 for UMNO to is taken seriously by the party members.

Muhyiddin stressed that UMNO should serve the people to gain respect.