HOLDING party elections now will only weaken and divide Umno further, said Najib Razak.

The former Umno president said those who lose may be lured by rival parties to defect.

“It will cause rift between factions and if there is another party that wants to weaken Umno, they will wait for the election and invite or persuade those who lost to join them,” said Najib told reporters after delivering his keynote speech at the Malaysia Democracy Forum.

Najib added party elections at this point will also create an uneven playing field as those with government positions would use government machinery to reel in the votes.

He made the comments following a suggestion from Khairy Jamaluddin earlier today.

Khairy, in a tweet, said Umno must hold its party elections as soon as possible to end the uncertainty in the party.

The science, technology and innovation minister told the Umno Supreme Council to do the right thing.

“There is only one way to end Umno’s internal problem and that is to have a party election as soon as possible.

“Do not wait until the general election is over. Umno must go into the general election with a clear and strong leadership backed by the people.

The tweet comes after the party’s annual assembly, where Umno resolved not to work with Bersatu at the next polls.

Party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also demanded its Muafakat Nasional partner PAS choose between the Malay party and its splinter, Bersatu.

On Sunday, the Umno 2020 general assembly unanimously agreed to end cooperation with Bersatu in the next election.

According to the resolution, tweeted by secretary-general Ahmad Maslan, the delegates accepted the resolution proposed by the Umno Supreme Council dated February 19. – March 30, 2021.