UMNO AGM | Former Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia is looking at the bright side of Umno becoming an opposition party after the 14th general election.

Speaking at the Umno annual general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre today, he quipped that now even delegates like himself can share the stage with the party's top leaders. 

"As the opposition, leaders on the sidelines like me can stand onstage together with main leaders, and contribute our minds and energy to Umno," he said.

Pandikar, a Sabah delegate, said being able to contribute to the party has made him more excited to speak at the assembly than he was during his last appearance onstage, 13 years ago.

In his speech, he also urged the party to take action against rebels who will weaken the party.

He likened Umno to a bundle of sticks (lidi) – stronger together but easily broken when divided.

"I urge Umno to do something, don't let one of these sticks act like a log, and influence other sticks to come loose from the bundle.

"An Umno that is only a stick is easily broken, including by outsiders. Don't sacrifice the party's discipline to celebrate differences in opinion," he warned.

Although not mentioning any names in particular, the former Dewan Rakyat speaker appeared to be taking aim at those viewed to be deviating from Umno's core values.

He repeatedly stressed in his speech the importance of sticking to Umno's core struggle in fighting for Islam and bumiputera rights and privileges.