PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA - THERE were hot speeches and plenty of drama at a forum held here on Tuesday to assess Umno's poor performance in the recently concluded general election.

From calling on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to take full responsibility and resign, there were accusations at the 'Umno Post 12th General Election: An Assessment' forum that the party's top brass comprised of 'yes men'.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad provided the keynote address while his son Datuk Mukhriz, who is the newly-elected Jerlun MP, and Batu Pahat MP Dr Puad Zarkashi were among the speakers.

Datuk Mukhriz came out and made his stand known, saying there was 'something really wrong' with Mr Abdullah's leadership for his inability to check the rising cost of living, increasing crime, corruption and nepotism.

Dr Puad, who is also the Johor Umno information chief, wanted Mr Abdullah to step down as Prime Minister.

He said people had lost faith in the present leadership. 'Umno has lost its soul,' he said, adding that the party needed huge reform to win back support of the people.'

'If we do not act fast, how is Umno going to survive?' he told the packed forum comprising mostly of Umno members.'

Dr Puad said Barisan Nasional had lost its two-thirds majority in the parliament and with the Opposition having 82 seats what was needed now was for Umno members to be bold and speak out.

The worst was reserved for another panellist, former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, who was booed each time he spoke.

Dr Khir, who is an Umno supreme council, was advised against attending the forum but said he wanted to come to voice his opinions.

Later during a question-and-answer session, a chair was thrown and expletives hurled at someone who suggested that PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim take over the Barisan leadership.

He was then dragged out of the room.

Upset by this, the organiser said people should not get emotional as everyone had the right to speak and raise questions. - The Star/ANN.