UMNO AGM | Umno is working hard to provide aid to people to help them cope with the rising cost of living but its own members are suffering, according to a delegate.

Rizalman Mokhtar said Umno members do not benefit from the various aid programmes organised for the public.

"We give aid to the people, but at the same time we cry, our pockets are empty.

"We give vouchers for mothers to go to the market, but at the same time, our kitchens are empty.

"We give free fuel to youths, but at the same time Umno Youth members can't afford to fill up (their petrol tanks)," said the Federal Territories delegate.

Shouts of “yes” reverberated through the hall from other delegates as Rizalman raised these issues.

The delegate, who was debating Umno president Najib Abdul Razak's policy speech, said this was the reality on the ground.

Rizalman warned that while Umno members might remain loyal, voters, however, could express their anger over the situation via the ballot box.

"I have to speak the truth even if it is bitter... Today the people lament the rising cost of living, many are in tears facing a seemingly uncontrolled rise in the price of goods.

"It is like a time bomb for us, it can explode at any time if we don't handle it well," he said.

He urged the government to mitigate the rising costs and take action against traders who hike up prices in a wanton manner.

Rizalman had raised this issue amid the ongoing controversy of popular singer Sheila Majid courting flak from Umno leaders for complaining about the cost of living.

Yesterday, Treasury secretary-general Irwan Serigar Abdullah said Sheila could be confused between the cost of living and “cost of lifestyle”.

"The economy is growing, everything is good. Not to worry, this country is a prosperous country," he added.

Umno is currently holding its 71st annual general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur.

This is the party's last meeting before the next general election.