UMNO ASSEMBLY The controversial film 'Tanda Putera' was screened several times to limited audiences at the Information, Communication and Multimedia Ministry booth during the Umno general assembly session yesterday afternoon.

The booth put up by the ministry could only accommodate a limited number of viewers, was constantly filled during the screenings, while others stood outside to watch.

NONE Responding to Malaysiakini , a ministry spokesperson said the movie was shown to fill in empty slots during the Umno assembly sessions.

"There was a lack of materials to be featured, so we screened the film when there were empty slots," said the spokesperson, who declined to elaborate further.

Meanwhile, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), which comes under the Information Ministry, said the film was chosen over other films because it focuses on Umno's role in the nation's history and it promotes nationalism.

Musical performances, too

The fair-like environment outside the Umno assembly hall was also given a boost with musical performances by RTM and Penderama, which took turns to serenade the crowds with their music.

Supporters and members of the country's biggest political party, especially the women who watched the proceedings on a giant screen on the second floor of Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), were in high spirits and stood up to sing the national anthem, Umno theme song as well the Satu Malaysia song in high spirits.

Hands were held high in the sea of red as they chanted ‘Hidup Umno'.

NONE Some came to tears as they watched Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak say, "Where are we without Umno? Where are the Malays without Umno?"

The booths set up by the various ministries and Malay entrepreneurs at the PWTC were also a hit with the crowds, with many of them crowded with shoppers.

The Malacca government too had a stall, selling under a franchise its fragrance line that is sold only at Umno events.

Trendsetter Studio is the company responsible for the production of the perfumes and according to its corporate communications and business development director Hady Hariz, the project is the brainchild of the Malacca chief minister.

The company produces more than 20 scents and these can be custom made to the customer's preference. Three travel size bottles were sold at a promotion price of RM10.

Another scene that attracted the cameras of not just the journalists present was that of a child dressed in the red and white Wanita Umno baju kurung attire, but her parents declined to provide even the name of the child.