“These include the concrete efforts taken to address the rising cost of living,” he said to FMT when contacted regarding the 2016 Umno General Assembly that concluded yesterday.

At the general assembly on Tuesday, party President and Prime Minister Najib Razak also hinted that the 14th General Election may be brought forward soon.

Commenting on Tuesday’s announcement, Awang said Umno should have used this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of their East Malaysian counterparts towards strengthening the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional (BN).

He said that parties such as Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) had played an important role in reinforcing BN’s vote bank.

“Without the Sabah and Sarawak factor, it is impossible for BN to win in the upcoming election,” he cautioned.

He also noted that assembly delegates were sent a clear message that they must come together as a coalition to face the upcoming polls.

“Hopefully, the (delegates in the) general assembly will defend Umno and secure victory (for the party) in the 14th General Election.”

Awang also said BN component parties should have adopted a “swim or sink together” approach in light of the looming polls and added, “They (Umno) should not have brought up the weaknesses of component parties and the opposition.”

However, Awang said the Umno general assembly had reaffirmed Najib’s position as party president despite scathing criticisms levelled at him from his political opponents.

“It is clear that Najib’s position as Umno president is getting stronger in the party despite various attacks from outside the party.”