UMNO GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2010 BEGINS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The 2010 United Malays National
Organisation (Umno) General Assembly began Tuesday with the simultaneous opening of
the general assemblies of the Wanita (Women), Youth and Puteri (Young Women) wings
later Tuesday night.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Umno deputy president, is
scheduled to open the assemblies simultaneously at Dewan Merdeka, Putra World
Trade Centre at about 8pm.

At 3pm, Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is also Umno president, is scheduled to
address party leaders at a closed-door briefing, which will be attended by
members of the Umno Supreme Council and Wanita, Youth and Puteri executive
committees as well as Umno division chiefs.

The general assembly will be held over five days, involving 4,907 delegates.

Meanwhile, the International Forum 2010, held for the first time in
conjunction with the Umno general assembly, entered its last day Tuesday with two
more sessions and six more panel members sharing their views on international
issues.

Najib is expected to close the forum later Tuesday.

Over 400 people, including 63 representatives from 22 political parties from 22
countries as well as 54 representatives of overseas Umno clubs and political
analysts are taking part in the two-day forum, titled "The Creation of Global
Citizens: Media Liberalisation and the New Political Realities".

Opening the forum on Monday, Muhyiddin said the people in the country needed
quick and reliable access to pertinent information in order to address new
global challenges.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad also spoke at the forum on Monday,
reminding the government to listen to the liberal media to understand the
"feelings" of the people. Umno leads the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.
-- BERNAMA