The Umno national delegates’ assembly will be an even more muted affair this year, after already being reduced to two days during the weekend down from the usual five.

Sources told Malaysiakini that among reasons for scaling down the event was the fact that the party was no longer in a position to compel the federal government to heed its resolutions.

The carnival-like annual event has typically been held in late November or early December. This year, however, it will be held in late September...