Umno will employ a new system to stop "undesirable elements" from entering its annual general assembly starting Nov 27.

putra world trade centre pwtc Executive secretary Rauf Yusoh said the system will employ "photo and biometric identification" to allow only those authorised to enter the assembly halls in the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

"There will not just be foreign media, but also other foreign elements trying to get in so we have to control access,” he said at a media briefing today.

"This is the Umno AGM, to discuss Umno matters for Umno and under Umno control. We don't want sabotage.”

The new system will require media personnel and all delegates to bring their MyKad for further verification.

Those authorised to enter will have their MyKad numbers and photographs keyed into the system, to ensure access passes are not given to unauthorised persons.

Rauf added that live televised cross-overs from inside the hall will also not be allowed.

“We don’t want cross-overs as there are lots of things (discussed in the hall) which need to be more refined before being published.

“Previously we had a live telecast and lots of controversy emerged,” he said.

'Reports must be fair'

Umno will endeavour to cooperate with all media, including the electronic media, “but reports must be fair”, he said.

Journalists from news portals will be provided a room with 20 chairs to share among themselves.

azlan Online media representatives, including those from Malaysiakini , had been barred from the Umno AGM media rooms before.

Last year, only two passes were issued to Malaysiakini after a long appeals process.

The upcoming meeting will be preceded by an information seminar on Nov 24 and an international forum on Nov 26 and 27.

“Our AGM this year will be attended by delegates from more than 27 countries, which is an acknowledgement to our leaders...,” Rauf said.

He said the president’s address on Nov 27 will be a closed-door affair.

The Wanita, Youth and Puteri Wings will hold their assemblies concurrently on Nov 28.

The AGM proper will take place from Nov 29 to Dec 1.