MANJUNG, April 5 -- Umno has welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's indication that the 16th general election (GE16) will not be held in the near future, asserting instead that priority must be given to addressing the rising cost of living.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said that, given current global uncertainties, all parties should set aside power struggles and focus on the welfare of the people.

"At a time when the country is facing a major crisis, we should not be overly preoccupied with the pursuit of power and positions.

"What is most important is for the nation's leaders to remain focused on ensuring the people can cope with the increasingly acute cost of living," he said.

He told reporters this ...