UMNO President, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is viewed as facing challenges if rumors of a party election at the UMNO General Assembly 2016 are postponed until after the 14th General Election becomes a reality.

UMNO veteran leader, Tan Sri Sanusi Junid said, the heightened situation will bring about a series of possibilities including the change in the party leadership.

“Najib is seen having his own reason if the UMNO election is held next year… he is faced with huge risk if news of the postponement, rings true.

“Najib is facing immense pressure and presumably experiencing traumatic situation at present,” he said.

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Muhyiddin at the UMNO General Assembly 2014 had proposed for UMNO to postpone the party election after the general election such as the common practice but instead the election should be conducted according to time set by the party's constitution.

The deputy prime minister also suggested that the UMNO Constitution to be amended this year for the younger generation to play their roles in their contribution to the party.
“
Najib is facing immense pressure and presumably experiencing traumatic situation at present
”
- Sanusi Juni

Speculations on party elections postponement are rife, thanks to a WhatsApp message which had been aggresively circulating since two months ago, among several UMNO wings.

Subsequently, UMNO veteran, Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik stressed, the 2015 UMNO General Assembly which is slated to take place end of this year will be an indicator of Najib’s presidential term and as Prime Minister or otherwise.

Sanusi also reiterated that Najib should re-look at his position in the party instead of listening to grassroots aspirations who wish to see the change in UMNO leadership.

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A huge number of grassroots representatives who wish to see change within the party after a series of exposures have been made on the national strategic investment company, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) … and the criticisms made by Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

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Najib should start re-thinking of his position now especially after being pressured by so many quarters, he stressed.

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

Meanwhile, Deputy Home Minister, Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said, Dr Mahathir is viewed to be the main reason why Najib is being heaped by extraordinary pressure concerning the 1MDB fiasco, of late.

Dr Wan Junaidi said, the pressure seemed immense especially after several UMNO members are seen unsupportive of him (Najib).

Sanusi exited UMNO in 2008 along with Dr Mahathir due to loss of confidence towards UMNO leadership under the leadership of former premier, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.