Kuala lumpur: UMNO’s 80th anniversary celebration is more than a commemoration of the party’s long history since 1946; it is a pivotal milestone in defining its future trajectory, particularly over the next two decades. Its president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, emphasized the significance of the party’s eight decades in the country’s political landscape as a foundation for strengthening strategic planning and nurturing capable future leaders to ensure UMNO’s continuity and strength as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2046.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, highlighted that this year’s UMNO celebration successfully translated several major agenda items involving various societal interests. One key focus was the response to the Rumah Bangsa initiative and the support from NGOs, professionals, individuals, and opinion leaders through the Musyawarah Nasional and National Collaboration.

He elaborated that the Cabinet has endorsed the Ummah Consultative Council to implement these agenda items, representing a national agenda where consensus on these issues is paramount. Reflecting on UMNO’s performance after the 14th General Election (GE14) in 2018, Ahmad Zahid acknowledged the crisis of confidence that the party faced at that time.

Ahmad Zahid, also the Deputy Prime Minister, observed that UMNO tends to experience a crisis approximately every 10 years, with the latest in 2018 being a significant crisis of declining public confidence. He stressed the importance of developing a new generation of leaders over the next 20 years by laying a strong foundation for future leaders to guide UMNO towards its centennial in 2046.

Efforts to rejuvenate the party are ongoing, focusing on internal unity and regaining grassroots support. Ahmad Zahid explained that this involves reforms to the party’s internal structure and the implementation of strategic initiatives nationally. He clarified that while UMNO is not yet fully strong, gradual programmes are being organised to return to its original footing, with support from the Malays forming the basis of UMNO’s strengthening process.

Previously, UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan reported that UMNO’s membership stood at 3.525 million members as of January this year.