Unity and 1MDB at the assembly tomorrow

Wanita chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil in her speech today pledged undivided loyalty to the Umno President Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and was loudly cheered by the delegates. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Nazir Sufari, December 9, 2015.

Leadership, unity and 1MDB are set for full play at the Umno general assembly tomorrow.

The frequently and widely discussed issues raised at the meetings of the Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings today have laid the premise for the presidential address and debate.

Wanita chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil pledged undivided loyalty to the Umno President Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and was loudly cheered by the delegates.

She said that Wanita would be a "pillar for unifying Umno".

Najib took the opportunity to thank Wanita for its support when he came to launch the wing's Tabung Pejuang Nadi Rakyat (Fund for the People's Champions) after she ended her speech.

Youth head Khairy Jamaluddin said the wing would "stand shoulder to shoulder with the party to carry the truth" and correct any false impressions people might have of Umno.

But he expressed concern over issues that the party faced that "have caused a trust deficit among the people" which he said "must be resolved at all costs".

Khairy referred to investigations into 1MDB and political donations, and said "Umno Youth recognises the sincerity of the President in his ongoing efforts to resolve these issues".

Puteri chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said that loyalty to the leadership was of paramount importance in Islam.

According to Islamic scholars, people should stay loyal to the leadership as long as the administration did not openly commit a wrongdoing, she said.

During the debate, Wanita delegates voiced support for Najib and urged all Umno members to rally around him.

One of them, Zaitun Anik from Sabah, said Najib deserved their loyalty because he always acted in the interest of the people.

Puteri delegates spoke about using the social media wisely and cautioned against being misled by some of the things posted on the Internet.

They also asked for more Puteri members to be chosen as election candidates.

Youth delegates were mostly focused on the coming general election and the role of young Umno members.

Then came a moment which must be a cause of gladness for the prime minister.

With Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Shafie Apdal in the audience, three Youth delegates stood up one after another to express support for Najib and Khairy.

The three were applauded, with some delegates standing up to cheer them. – Bernama