There were no poison-pen letters or character assassinating publications at this year's Umno General Assembly, which began today at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Apart from the freely distributed Malay political tabloid Era Baru , which criticised Umno wanita chief Rafidah Aziz for her outburst against former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the Approved Permits issue, there was no sign of any other controversial publications.

It appeared that both delegates and participating traders have heeded the warning issued on Monday by PWTC chief executive officer Senator Yaakob Mohamad that those who distribute or sell such publications will be detained and handed over to the police.

Yaakob had also said that his 1,200-member security team has been instructed to confiscate any libellous publications.

The warning came amidst rumours that a letter allegedly written by Kuala Krai deputy division chief Sayed Ali Saipudin Sayed Yaacon - containing new allegations on money politics involving top party leaders - would be distributed.

Feel good books

A check by malaysiakini revealed that only four booths, among nearly 100, were selling books. The rest were mostly fashion items.

As for the books sold, they were mostly 'feel good' publications praising the leadership of Abdullah and his son-in-law Khairy Jamaludin.

The controversial book Khairy Jamaludin - Bakal Perdana Menteri ( Khairy Jamaludin- Future Prime Minister ), which was a common sight at past Umno meets, was nowhere to be found this morning.

The book penned by Yahaya Ismail contained a series of vitriolic attacks against Khairy.

This time around, Khairy was featured in three books, all of which, spoke positively of his leadership qualities. They were Kabinet Khairy , Pedih and Fitnah Hang Nadim Moden .

Authored by Norzah Kepol, Fitnah Hang Nadim Moden (Slander against a modern Hang Nadim) explained why Khairy should not be sidelined just because he is the premier's son-in-law.

(Hang Nadim is a youth who was sacrificed in the time of Sulalatus Salatin - the Malay Annals- because his detractors feared his potential)

The author also claimed that Abdullah's clean record had forced his critics in Umno to focus on his family.

Surprisingly, books attacking opposition parties were also scarce.