Kuala Lumpur: UMNO must not remain static or rigid but instead embrace a pragmatic approach in facing the dynamic political landscape and increasingly complex challenges of the times, said party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized the necessity for UMNO to adapt by moving away from outdated methods, urging the party to be bold in adjusting its strategies, approaches, and operations to align with the realities of today’s political environment.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the present generation of voters, namely Gen Z and Alpha, are influenced by social media timelines rather than old rhetoric, which no longer resonates with them. These younger voters seek a future filled with hope for themselves and the nation, a sentiment he expressed during his message at the 79th UMNO Day celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
Ahmad Zahid noted that the rakyat is now more open-minded and critical, with public reliance on political parties declining, leading to a trust deficit fueled by the image of leaders who bicker, make empty promises, and neglect the people’s interests. He pointed out UMNO’s recent by-election victories, including in Ayer Kuning, but cautioned against complacency, stressing that more significant challenges are on the horizon.
He urged the party to advance with a refreshed narrative, strategic communication, and decisive groundwork. Ahmad Zahid underscored the importance of upcoming electoral battles, including the Sabah state election, state polls in Melaka, Johor, and ultimately, the 16th General Election, which will be pivotal in determining the nation’s future and fate.
Furthermore, he called for unity within UMNO, advising members to avoid internal conflicts and to resist negative perceptions and sentiments that could weaken the party. Ahmad Zahid, also the Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament, emphasized the significance of moving in unison despite differing views to regain public support.
In a demonstration of UMNO’s commitment to nurturing future leaders, 48 individuals aged between 16 and 30 received their graduation certificates from the UMNO Patriotic School (SPU). This inaugural batch completed a 12-week leadership course aimed at grooming the party’s next generation of leaders. Ahmad Zahid stated that SPU graduates embody UMNO’s efforts to cultivate successors who are aware of the party’s historical roots while fostering leadership qualities such as courage, credibility, and critical thinking.
The event also featured a special tahlil to commemorate UMNO Day and honor the memory of the fifth Prime Minister and sixth UMNO president, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.