MINIMUM MEMBERSHIP AGE SET AT 16
Umno constitution to be amended to facilitate change, says Zahid
UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the party will lower its minimum membership age to 16 from 18.
Without elaborating on the reason for the move, Zahid said the party constitution, including the rules and regulations, would be amended to facilitate the change.
Speaking after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting here, he said reducing the age limit was “part of the party’s preparations”.
“We will clean up our three million plus membership list by removing those who have passed away or left the party.”
He said the party wanted only quality members.
Present was Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Zahid also announced the setting up of an advisory council, to be led by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
He said nine sub-councils and secretariats would be formed, which would be responsible for charting the direction of the party and strengthening it.
“Our approach is no longer on development and service, but on issues, as we are an opposition party now.”
Asked who the council members would be, Zahid said it would be decided by Tengku Razaleigh, adding that an announcement would be made soon.
On the Umno General Assembly, he said it would be held for two days from Sept 29.
According to the itinerary, the party’s wings — Wanita, Youth and Puteri — will have their assemblies on Sept 29, followed by the presidential address and main assembly on Sept 30.
“It will be for one day,” Zahid said, referring to the main assembly.
“The assembly is important to discuss important issues. There will only be the presidential motion to be tabled... only one.”