In an Instagram post, Khairy, who is science, technology and innovation minister said party polls which are supposed to be held this year must be expedited.

“Do not postpone (elections) until after GE15. It needs to be held this year. Umno must face GE15 with a leadership that has a clear mandate and can win the support of the people.

“Do the right thing Supreme Council. You know we cannot continue like this.”

His comments come just two days after the Umno general assembly which called for the ending of ties with PPBM, for all Umno ministers to quit their positions and also saw an open rift between Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and veteran Annuar Musa, who is seen to be PPBM-friendly.

Recently, there have also been calls for Zahid to resign as president.

Some in the party believe that Umno will benefit from being led by someone who is not facing charges in court, although Zahid has said he does not have to quit as he was democratically elected and has not been found guilty yet.

Zahid, the former deputy prime minister, is facing 47 charges for criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering involving funds belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi.

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