Umno deputy urges revival efforts after election losses
Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has likened the party to a “dying tree” in his speech at the party’s annual general assembly, urging members to ensure its survival for future generations. Reflecting on the party’s losses in the last two general elections, Mohamad emphasised the need to address the situation to keep Umno relevant in Malaysia’s political landscape.
“This big tree, many have eaten its fruit, enjoyed its bounty. Many might claim not to need this tree, but don’t just enjoy the results. It has been our protector. Yet many want to kill it off. Our grandchildren seek nourishment, so let’s water the tree that has protected us all this while and borne the fruit that we have partaken,” he said.
During the opening day of the annual party gathering, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reminded party members that Umno is no longer the dominant political force it once was in Malaysia. He stressed the importance of being prepared to do the groundwork and capitalise on every opportunity that arises during state elections.
In the GE15 election held last November, Umno secured 26 federal seats, while Barisan Nasional (BN) won 30 out of the 191 contested seats. Despite the losses, Umno and BN managed to be part of the federal government after agreeing to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and other parties such as Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan), and Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) to form the federal administration led by Anwar Ibrahim.