Umno leaders gather at WTC for series of meetings after dismal polls result

KUALA LUMPUR – Several Umno leaders were seen at the party’s headquarters at the World Trade Centre here to attend a series of meetings, including of the party’s political bureau and supreme council.

Among those seen arriving as early as 11am were Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, and Umno working secretary Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan.

Also present were Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Selangor Umno chief Tan Sri Noh Omar, Terengganu Umno chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, and two other members of the party’s Supreme Council – Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub.

Last night, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan in a tweet said the party’s political bureau will meet at noon followed by the Supreme Council at 3pm.

A BN supreme council meeting is also scheduled to take place today at 8pm.

Based on the official results announced by the Election Commission up until 4.30am today, BN only managed to win 30 seats in the 15th general election (GE15).

Yesterday, BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party respected the people’s decision in GE15 and considered it a big signal to the coalition, adding that BN was ready to be a bridge between states in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Zahid, who is also Umno president, also said BN was also prepared to put aside its prior differing sentiments to focus on restoring the party’s strength, particularly to overcome current challenges and better understand the needs of the new generation.

The official results released by the EC showed that Pakatan Harapan won 76 parliamentary seats, while its coalition with DAP in Sarawak won five seats and Muda one, making a total of 82 parliamentary seats.

Perikatan Nasional and PAS won 51 and 22 seats respectively, for a combined total of 73 seats, followed by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (22), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (six), Warisan (three), Parti Bangsa Malaysia (one), and independent candidates (two). – Bernama, November 20, 2022