Communication and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak has called on Umno to disappoint its critics and foes hoping to witness an explosive annual general assembly.

"What is bad for Umno or BN is good for those opposed to Umno and BN.

"So they are hoping for a chaotic and disruptive assembly that would embarrass the party.

"We should show our critics while there will always be power struggles in any political party in the world, Umno knows when to close ranks and demonstrate maturity," he said.

The minister pointed that as the leader of the ruling coalition BN, Umno must demonstrate how a leader should behave.

"We need to bring the party above petty squabbles and bickering and prove we are still capable of being the government and able to place the future of the party and country above all other interests.

"This year's assembly is going to set the pace for the Sarawak state election, which is just around the corner, and the general election that will follow not far behind," he added in a blog post.

Salleh said it is no coincidence that the Umno annual general assemblies are more watched and garner national coverage and international attention than other political parties.

"This is because Umno is the backbone or lead partner in BN. Therefore what happens in Umno or what Umno does affects not just Umno or BN but the whole country.

"This year's Umno assembly is about to start and because of the developments over the last year since December 2014 all eyes and ears are on this assembly with great anticipation as to what is going to happen," he added.

The three-day Umno assembly would commence tomorrow and is being held amid party president Najib Abdul Razak being assailed with allegations and accusations of corruption.

There are also certain quarters within Umno, such as Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who have openly called on the president to step down.

Najib, who is also prime minister, has denied any wrongdoing and claimed there is a plot to topple him.