Members must believe Umno is still relevant - Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR - Do not forget history and how Umno has united various non-profit organisations, party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reminisce.

He further said all members of the biggest Malay party in the country must believe that Umno was still relevant.

“77 years ago on this date, Umno united various non-profit organisations. Do not forget history.

“The spirit of nationalism was not formed from the streets but in the place. At WTC (World Trade Centre) we gather today but for seven decades we have moved in various waves.

“Umno faced various slanders until we were trapped in the 15th General Election (GE15) and yet, Umno remains relevant,” he said this in his speech during Umno’s 77th anniversary celebration at Surau Ar Rahman, Menara Dato Onn, World Trade Centre.

Zahid also urged all Umno wings to work together and rebuild the party.

He, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said Umno must design a party where the new generation will rise and make changes.

“Puteri, Youth, Wanita or even us the veterans must stand together.

“We respect the old, we love the old.

“I hope the new generation of Youth, Puteri and Wanita are ready from now on, do no use conventional methods anymore, he said.

Zahid said the Unity Government has never abandoned Islam but rather empowered it in the country.

“As long as we are under a big umbrella, we have to accept that our country’s constitution remains strong,” he said.

Umno’s 77th anniversary celebration began with Maghrib prayers and recitation of Surah Yassin.

Among Umno leaders present were the party’s deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, vice-president Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani and Umno Youth Leader Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh.