KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 22 -- Former Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak sought to play down the factionalism within his party, disputing descriptions of its "fracture".

The Pekan MP acknowledged there were "differences of opinions" within Umno, but confidently said the party holds to democratic values and that the current dissonant groups will unite again when a strategic decision is required.

"Maybe not to the extent of the term 'fracture', but there are certain groups that brought different views within Umno.

"But I believe and am confident that when the time comes, we will unify Umno's views and decide on its strategic direction as guidance," he said in an interview with Astro Awani tonight on the Malay party's future.

The former pri...