Zahid: Umno had to stop rule by politburo and dynasty

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the party does not have “full power” although part of the government.

PETALING JAYA: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on party members to unite and strengthen the party’s position in the country, adding that the party was only part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition to overthrow the previous government.

He said the party did not yet have the “full power” to fulfil the people’s aspirations, adding that challenging times were still ahead for the party.

“Despite having one foot in the government, there is not much to be proud of.

“Umno’s participation and support was only to end the politburo rule and prevent a dynasty rule from continuing in our beloved country.

“The future of the party is on every members’ shoulders. We decide how far we are able to assimilate with the nation’s geopolitical situation,” he said in a speech in conjunction with Umno’s 74th anniversary.

He said the party was not power-hungry but had a desire to fight for a better future for the people. The 14th general election (in 2018) had taught the party to labour to meet the hopes of all Malaysians, regardless of race.

Zahid urged Umno members to stop their personal political agendas, adding that such schemes have given rise to various internal problems in the party in the past.

“If we strive towards determined unity and loyalty to leaders, I am confident that Umno can no longer be shaken,” he said.

Umno and PAS, with other minor parties, made an alliance with PPBM in February to form a new government after PPBM’s withdrawal from Pakatan Harapan caused the collapse of the PH administration. - FMT