Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today reiterated his message that Gerakan must have the courage of its convictions.

In a video message aired at the start of this year's Gerakan annual general assembly today, Najib also urged them to rebut lies by the opposition.

This is the first year since Najib took office that neither he or his deputy was physically present at the Gerakan AGM.

"I cannot be there to launch the AGM this time because I'm on an official visit overseas," the premier said, referencing to his trip to Thailand today.

In his stead was Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

Meanwhile, Najib also urged Gerakan to work harder to get public support, and expressed confidence that the party would do better in the next general election.

Speculation is rife that the prime minister may call elections as soon as March next year.