The principle of being loyal to party leaders is the main factor for UMNO to remain resilient when faced with various challenges and problems, says Perlis UMNO liaison chief, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.

He said UMNO members should accept the fact that "going against the current" would only split and weaken the party.

"Members should follow what the majority wants and put aside personal interest... the emergence of splinter parties like Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) should serve to bind and bring UMNO supporters closer together," he said.

Shahidan who is also an UMNO Supreme Council member, said the UMNO General Assembly 2016 which would begin on Tuesday, should be a platform for the party to find a way out so that PPBM would not be a thorn in the flesh for UMNO in the 14th general election.

"The assembly from this Tuesday until Dec 3 is the best opportunity for the party's top leaders to rebuild the confidence of members in the run-up to the next general election," he added.

On the agenda to be brought by Perlis UMNO to the assembly this time, Shahidan who is also Arau MP, said boosting the state's economy would be its main focus.

"We need more allocations to implement projects and to spur the economy in the interest of the people.

"Perlis is not that much affected by national issues but each arising issue should be tackled immediately," he said. -- Bernama