Holding the Umno election before the 15th general election (GE15) can lead to splits in the party and allow other parties to "steal” the losing candidates, said Pekan Umno chief Najib Abdul Razak.

The former Umno president said many quarters were waiting for an opportunity to weaken the party this way.

“They (other parties) will wait for elections in Umno, so splinters from the losing side will be...