In a letter to Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan, RoS director-general Jasri Kasim said the postponement was not legitimate as the term for Supreme Council members elected in 2018 had ended on June 30.

He added that RoS’ decision was based on minutes of a meeting from a Supreme Council meeting on July 7 – after its term ended – where it decided to postpone the party polls at all levels.

“RoS views that the duration for Supreme Council office bearers for the 2018/2021 term ended on June 30. Hence, the Supreme Council’s decision to postpone the party elections at all levels for 18 months on July 7 is invalid.

“A new date needs to be set to hold the Umno Supreme Council elections, taking SOP compliance into account and informing the RoS as soon as possible.”

On June 25, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said the party would be postponing its party elections for up to 18 months, according to its constitution.

He had told FMT this was due to the current Covid-19 situation after consulting the health ministry and National Security Council, adding that the party had informed the RoS.

We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.