Kuala lumpur: UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's policy speech at the opening of the 2025 UMNO General Assembly tomorrow is expected to outline the party's direction and preparations ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16). UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Razlan Muhamad Rafii said the speech is also anticipated to focus on the party's readiness for the Melaka and Johor state elections.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Razlan emphasized that the assembly will deliberate on the priorities concerning Malays, Islam, and the Malay Rulers, aiming to find common ground to reunite the Malay struggle under UMNO. Mohd Razlan, who also serves as the political secretary to the Rural and Regional Development Minister, mentioned that the views raised during the debates would be studied and brought to the party's top leadership for future guidance.

Meanwhile, he highlighted UMNO's ongoing role as a balancing force within the Unity Government, particularly concerning policies involving Malay interests. He reassured that UMNO would continue to defend the interests of the Malays, despite its status as a minority party within the current ruling coalition.

The 2025 UMNO General Assembly, scheduled from January 14 to 17 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Kuala Lumpur, follows two postponements in August and November. The delays were to allow the party to focus on preparations for the 17th Sabah state election. A total of 6,412 delegates have registered for the assembly, comprising 2,928 delegates for the UMNO General Assembly 2025 and representatives from the Wanita, Youth, and Puteri wings.

The assembly will officially commence tomorrow with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the president's policy speech and the start of the debate sessions.