The Umno AGM marks a “point of no return” for the two opposing factions in Umno – the pro-Najib camp, and the anti-Najib camp, said PKR secretary general Rafizi Ramli.

Rafizi said members of the two factions are unlike to reconcile, after what had happened at the AGM which concluded yesterday.

This, he argued, was because Najib had used the AGM as a platform to humiliate deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Shafie Apdal.

He said this going against the Malay culture where it is of utmost importance to guard a person's reputation.

Muhyiddin and Shafie were both prevented from speaking at the AGM. Both were dropped from their cabinet posts in July but remain in their Umno positions

"They have become a thorn in Umno's side ( api dalam sekam ). The internal split will continue," Rafizi said.

He said this will give he fledgling opposition pact Pakatan Harapan opportunity to strengthen its base.

"The grassroots of Umno will slowly but surely desert Umno...," he said.

The recently concluded Umno AGM saw disgruntled Umno branch members holding press conferences on the sidelines to support calls for Najib's resignation, led by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Delegates who took to the rostrum AGM debates, however, declared undivided support for Najib.

Related reports

PKR to see how far Umno's olive branch goes

RM2.6b is ‘god sent’ to Najib

To vindicate himself, Najib must produce the paper trail

An anatomy of the Umno general assembly

'Damned racism' at Umno AGM riles Amanah chief