Umno vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin said the decision by the Umno supreme council to postpone the party polls until after the general election is most apt to enable the members to focus on helping the government.

He said that although the decision would not be welcomed by some members eyeing posts in the party, it should be respected in Umno's interest because of the huge challenges facing the party, according to a Bernama report.

"What is important is for party members to focus on working to strengthen the party and help the government ensure smooth implementation of development projects," he said at a function in Muar today.

Palm oil price up

He said the decision was a signal for members to prepare for the general election.

Muhyiddin, who is Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister, also commented on the world price of palm oil which would be higher following collaboration among the main producers of the commodity - Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

He said the three countries had worked together on the price of rubber. which resulted in the price soaring its highest ever in history, and were now discussing to strengthen the world price for palm oil.

"If this happens, the price of palm oil will soar soon," the minister added.