Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin called on Umno delegates to discuss and debate substantive issues at the party's annual general assembly this week.

"This is an important assembly, an event that will provide avenues for party members to discuss issues for the future of the party, BN, race, religion and country," he told reporters after chairing the party's management committee meeting at parliament house, today.

The deputy prime minister also said that it would be of immense importance for party members to listen to and debate the policy speech of Umno president Najib Abdul Razak on Oct 21.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said preparations for the assembly, which takes place from tomorrow until Saturday, were going on smoothly.

The list of supreme council members who would observe the Wanita, Youth and Puteri assemblies had also been finalised, he said.

The Wanita assembly will be attended by Mustapa Mohamed who is international trade and industry minister as well as Azian Osman and Zulhasnan Rafique.

The observers for the Youth assembly are Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman, Youth and Sports Minister Shabery Cheek and Deputy Education Minister Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

Works Minister Shaziman Mansor, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Lajim Ukin and Mohd Zin Mohamed will observe the Puteri assembly.

- Bernama