PKR leader turned Umno senator Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor has urged members to heed party president Najib Abdul Razak's call for greater party unity.

"I agree with Najib that the opposition is not strong. I used to be with them, I know they are not united to this day.

"But the issue is not whether the opposition is strong, but us. Umno and BN must strengthen our internal strength.

NONE "If we can do that as Najib ( left ) urged, we can achieve a huge success this time," he told reporters today.

Ezam, formerly a close ally of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, was commenting on Najib's winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly yesterday.

Speaking to reporters after launching the new flag and anthem of the Malay-interest group Jalinan Melayu Malaysia, Ezam said it is normal for any party to have internal strife.

This is true even for Pakatan Rakyat that has tasted power for five years he said, but especially true a party that is in power as long as Umno.

Therefore, he said Umno needs to put in more effort to ensure party unity.

Regardless, he expressed confidence that delegates have heard Najib's message loud and clear, and this would minimise any problems.