Umno to take legal action against those who smear party leaders, says Asyraf
PETALING JAYA : Umno will take legal action against anyone who spreads lies or attempts to tarnish the reputation of its leaders, says its secretary-general, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
He said this follows the establishment of a legal secretariat at the Umno headquarters, tasked with monitoring and addressing defamatory content involving the party and its leadership, Bernama reported.
'Umno has not traditionally resorted to lawsuits or legal notices, but given the rampant misuse of social media to attack our leaders, it is time for the party to respond more assertively,' he told reporters after officiating the Bukit Bintang Umno delegates meeting today.
Asyraf said Umno feels this is the only way to hold irresponsible individuals accountable, citing how other political parties have taken legal action to counter false allegations and negative perceptions in the past.
Separately, he said Umno has also decided to establish an 'outstation voters department' as a strategic initiative to engage with voters who reside outside their home constituencies, as part of its preparation for the next general election.
He noted that nearly 40% of voters in parliamentary constituencies in some states were based in high-density urban areas, such as the Klang Valley.
'At the recent Supreme Council meeting, we approved a proposal from the Bukit Bintang division to form this department.
'It will allow us to conduct targeted programmes and provide continuous support to these voters in constituencies that Umno and Barisan Nasional aim to win,' he said.
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