COMMENT The Umno general assembly or perhimpunan agung Umno is Malaysia’s most closely watched political event, according to the Straits Times of Singapore.

With 3.5 million members, 191 divisions and nearly 22,000 branches, the Umno AGM is a five-day congress attended by thousands from the party.

It is not without its controversies. Demands of Malays at at the meeting have often been construed as being racist and intolerant.