Umno members are told to mind their words and be more considerate to their fellow compatriots during the party's annual assembly which begins tonight.

Party president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi gave this advice during a closed-door session with over 2,000 Umno members at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur today.

Abdullah also said that unity was much needed to give strength to the party and its continuous struggle.

"I wish to stress the importance for Umno members to be careful in their struggle. They have to consider every factor (when they speak)," Abdullah, who is also the prime minister, later told reporters at the Umno headquarters after the 90-minute briefing.

Abdullah also said that he briefed the delegates on many of the issues raised by his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The premier is in a running row with Mahathir over what the latter claims as Abdullah's economic incompetence, corruption and nepotism.

"I did not mention Mahathir (in the briefing). I spoke on a lot of things. I have touched on topics that might be considered issues raised by Mahathir, such as the economy and projects ... and that the economy is not growing," he said.

"If he did not raise it, I will raise it anyway. These issue are important issues to the party and the rakyat," he added.

Abdullah reiterated that delegates are not be stopped from raising issues, including Mahathir's year-long scathing attacks on the government and Abdullah's leadership.

"We do not bar people from raising issues, nor do we limit what they have to say. But let it be in accordance to the rules and regulations. That's important," he said.

Don't test me

Asked if his leadership was in question because of his 'soft' method of administration and his silence after criticisms, Abdullah said:.

"I said that (to delegates at the private briefing) just now. It's hard to be nice and to be patient. So don't test me," he said.

Asked if there was a difference in Umno three years after he has taken over the party helm, Abdullah said:

"Right now, if we take as examples Umno representatives in Parliament, in the Senate, on the state legislature, there is a difference.

"Umno members are freer to express their views more clearly and without fear.

"Umno has taken to itself to lead the coalition. It is important not to forget the importance of muafakat and good working relations amongst component parties. It is important for Umno leaders at all levels to understand this," he added.

Abdullah also said that there was a need for Malaysians to avoid raising contentious issues that could cause racial tensions in the country.

"I wish to stress the importance to the rakyat to understand that we need to be mindful in certain sensitive subjects so that it does not go out of control and cause various reactions that can destroy unity (in the country)."

Abdullah will officially open the assembly on Wednesday. The party's Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings had their assemblies opened earlier tonight by deputy president Najib Abdul Razak.