The 2012 Umno General Assembly next Tuesday should focus on more factual matters and be serious, without too much humour and laughter, said Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim today.

Rais said, the delegates should not liken this assembly to previous years and should instead use it to make comprehensive preparations for the 13th general election.

"Last year, there was too much joking around and laughter until important 'homework' was sometimes forgotten.

"It is hoped that this time, the focus will be on upheavals or how to overcome divisions within the Malay community, for example," he told reporters during a press conference, after attending a Popularising Arts and Culture programme with Universiti Malaya (UM) students today.

Rais also hoped that the delegates would refrain from presenting views leading to racial issues which could break up the ummah, and focus instead on how to uphold the racial unity and harmony of the country.

Meanwhile, Rais said the ministry will be funding a creative industry segment at UM to achieve the national creative industry policy plan.

"Through today's programme, the it will gather data to determine in which aspects the UM students need assistance and guidance in arts and culture," he said.

He said the programme, which has also been held at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, was aimed at unearthing the students' potential in the creative industry.

- Bernama