“Party differs from the government. Even the party is aware that if there are proposals, I will bring them to the Cabinet for approval,” said Ismail, who is an Umno vice-president.

“If the Cabinet decides on a date, I will discuss the matter with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, on procedural matters,” said Ismail after the party’s Aidilftri reception here today.

Ismail had attended the Umno extraordinary general meeting earlier today at which delegates voted to amend the party constitution to allow party elections to be held no later than six months after a general election.

The motion, tabled by Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin, was unanimously approved by the 2,586 delegates in attendance.

Ismail said Umno will inform the Registrar of Societies for approval to postpone the party elections.

Asked if Umno could expect problems with the registrar, Ismail replied: “We do not know, we will send an application for approval on the amendment, and we have 60 days to submit it.”

The term of Umno’s elected party officials ended on June 30 last year. The party had previously postponed elections to branch, divisional and supreme council positions for 18 months, and fresh elections must be held before Dec 30.