Umno amends constitution, puts Islam first

Umno has amended Article 3 of its constitution to include upholding Islam as part of the 73-year-old party’s purpose.

The provision originally stipulates, “Umno is a political party that fights to uphold the national aspirations of the Malays and to uphold the dignity and stature of race, religion, and country.”

The amended version reads “… to uphold the dignity and stature of Islam, race, and country”.

It is understood that all 13 constitutional amendments tabled at the annual general meeting today were passed unanimously.

Apart from Article 3, Umno also amended Article 4.2 to lower the minimum age for membership from 18 to 16.

The change followed Parliamentary approval for a bill to lower the voting age from 21 to 18.

In addition, Umno also passed amendments to raise the stature of its Wanita chief to be equivalent to the party deputy president.

Meanwhile, according to Article 5.2, those who want to become an Umno member would have to apply for membership at the party's branch.

With the newly passed amendments, those who want to become associate members instead can submit their applications online. - Mkini