The 2010 Umno general assembly began today with the simultaneous opening of the general assemblies of the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings later tonight.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Umno deputy president, is scheduled to open the assemblies simultaneously at Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre at about 8pm.

At 3pm, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is also Umno president, is scheduled to address party leaders at a closed-door briefing, which will be attended by members of the Umno supreme council and Wanita, Youth and Puteri executive committees as well as Umno division chiefs.

The general assembly will be held over five days, involving 4,907 delegates.

Meanwhile, the International Forum 2010, held for the first time in conjunction with the Umno general assembly, entered its last day today with two more sessions and six more panel members sharing their views on international issues.

Najib is expected to close the forum later today.

Over 400 people, including 63 representatives from 22 political parties from 22 countries as well as 54 representatives of overseas Umno clubs and political analysts are taking part in the two-day forum, titled 'The Creation of Global Citizens: Media Liberalization and the New Political Realities'.

Opening the forum yesterday, Muhyiddin said the people in the country needed quick and reliable access to pertinent information in order to address new global challenges.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad also spoke at the forum yesterday, reminding the government to listen to the liberal media to understand the "feelings" of the people.

- Bernama