UMNO is ready for the 15th general election, but the government will decide the date for the national polls, said Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“A political party differs from the government. The party is aware that any proposal must be brought for approval to the cabinet.

“If the cabinet decides on a date, a mandate will be given to me and a discussion with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on procedural matters will ensue.”

Ismail Sabri earlier attended a special Umno general meeting to amend the party constitution to allow party polls to be held six months after a general election.

Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled tabled the motion, which was unanimously approved by the 2,586 delegates in attendance.

Ismail Sabri said Umno will inform the Registrar of Societies for approval to postpone party polls.

On whether the party may face problems over the matter, he said: “We do not know, but we will send an application for approval on the amendment. We have 60 days to submit it.”

Umno previously postponed party polls at the branche, division and supreme council levels for 18 months after the 2018/2021 term ended on June 30 last year. – Bernama, May 15, 2022.