Most internal problems faced by Umno in the 222 parliamentary constituencies had been resolved, said Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said it was made possible through cooperation from all leaders, from the president down to the branch chiefs, who went down to the field to iron out issues.

In Perak, for example, he said their defeat in the 12th General Election in 2008 was the result of internal problems which occurred in seven state constituencies.

"Now, only 10 per cent of the areas have problems...hopefully, new problems will not arise when candidates are chosen," Ahmad Zahid told reporters after opening the Rompin Umno divison delegates meeting here today.

Also present were Rompin Member of Parliament and Rompin Umno division chief, Jamaluddin Jarjis, and Muadzam Shah assemblyman Maznah Mazlan.

Complacency

Ahmad Zahid, who is also defence minister, advised party members not to be complacent with Umno's position and get caught up with internal problems if they wanted to win the coming general election.

"Discuss issues, if any, as unity in a party is important to ensure we obtain a two-third majority and win back states which are now under the opposition," he said.

Touching on his portfolio as defence minister, Ahmad Zahid said he did not anticipate an increased budget for the ministry during the tabling of the 2013 Budget, and would maintain existing military assets.

"If we wish to buy new assets, we will not make bullet payment but instead, a long-term payment to save on costs," he said.

Earlier in his speech, he said a permanent National University of Defence Malaysia campus would be set up between Rompin and Pekan, adding that further details on the matter would be announced later.

- Bernama