For Umno, the show goes on

Umno General Assembly is back. For the 69th time. I have been to countless assemblies and apart from several misses, when I was transferred to Klang and Johor Baru, I don't remember when I had missed the assembly.

This time we were told it will be different. The deputy president will not be giving a speech at the opening of the respective Wings.

And Tan Sri Muhyiddin will not be giving a winding up speech as well for reasons everyone should have known by now.

But everyone can expect the pantun, the jokes and of course the food at the media centre to be as per normal.

It will be awkward for TS Muhyiddin to be there. And so is Dr M's presence. But the show must go on.

I remember vividly when Dr M decided to break the news that he was quitting on stage. I was there in the media centre and I rushed up to the packed hall. Non members were told to leave but I hid behind the seats and listened and saw what was happening on stage.

I was representing the Malay Mail then. MM as usual was only looking for side stories and the main menu was not our concern. It was the the NST and The Star and the array of Malay newspapers.

But that was the story of the day.

I first covered Umno GA for the NST in 2008 for www.nst.com.my. But this year, it is for main paper.

Hope it is gonna be smooth this time. But you can expect fireworks for sure.