Kuala lumpur: UMNO is no longer standing merely as a historical legacy, but instead serves as a strategic bridge in driving the continuity of the party's struggle into a new era. Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said that ahead of UMNO's 80th anniversary, the party must boldly redefine its role from a conventional political organisation to a civilisational movement that shapes the nation's direction.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry emphasized that in a world driven by artificial intelligence (AI), a borderless economy, and uncertain geopolitics, UMNO cannot simply be a keeper of memory, but must instead act as an architect of the future. He stated, 'UMNO's future lies in its courage to become a time-proof party, no longer one that seeks favours, but instead a party that builds capacity, creates opportunities, opens space and shapes a generation capable of standing confidently on the global stage,' in a Facebook post in conjunction with the party's 80th anniversary.

Zambry, who is also the Higher Education Minister, highlighted the need for UMNO to return to its core strength in managing crises and creating stability, particularly in addressing crises of meaning, trust, and identity in the digital world. He called for UMNO to become a knowledge-based party that upholds a culture of critical thinking and positions educational institutions as strategic partners in national development.

He further elaborated on UMNO's main challenges, which include building a new synthesis that balances technological progress without losing core values, while driving modernity without eroding its identity. Addressing the increasingly complex political landscape of the country, Zambry stressed that UMNO needs to adopt a more inclusive approach grounded in unity and togetherness, avoiding narrow racial sentiments and extreme hatred.

Zambry also proposed the establishment of 'Rumah Bangsa,' an inclusive vision and platform for all parties to come together on the basis of justice, mutual respect, and confidence in a shared future. He remarked that political strength is now measured by the ability to serve as a catalyst fostering balance and unity, rather than by absolute dominance.

Finally, Zambry insisted that UMNO needs to return to organisational politics instead of personality-based politics, ensuring the party remains a strong movement in facing current challenges. He concluded by stating that UMNO should return to its original spirit as an islah movement, a reform movement based on Islamic values, nationalism, patriotism, justice, and humanity.