The United Malays National Organization (UMNO) held its 2024 General Assembly at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Kuala Lumpur, marking a pivotal moment for the party as it confronts an increasingly complex political landscape. This assembly served as a platform for UMNO to reclaim its dominance, adapt to changing dynamics and reaffirm its commitment to the Malay-Muslim agenda while navigating the realities of coalition politics.
UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the urgent need for the party to secure a majority in both Parliament and state assemblies to remain relevant and dominant in government leadership. This call to action reflects a recognition that UMNO’s traditional dominance has been eroded in recent years, particularly after the 15th General Election (GE15). Reclaiming lost seats is not just a matter of pride but a strategic necessity for UMNO to maintain its influence and continue its legacy as the party that has played a crucial role in the nation’s independence and development.
Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, UMNO VP and Titiwangsa MP, highlighted the need for the party to produce new leaders who can build trust among voters, particularly in the face of changing political dynamics. This call for new leadership is not just about addressing the current challenges but about positioning UMNO for the future. The partymust attract and retain the confidence of a new generation of voters who may not have the same historical connection to UMNO as previous generations. This requires a shift in approach, one that is more inclusive and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all Malaysians.
The 2024 UMNO General Assembly also focused on the importance of maintaining the party’s dominance in negotiations, ideology and public policy. UMNO must be prepared to lead in any coalition it joins, ensuring that its core values and the interests of its constituents – the Malays, Muslims, and Bumiputeras – are safeguarded. The party’s leadership recognizes that in a multiparty system, where no single party can easily secure an outright majority, UMNO’s ability to negotiate from a position strength is crucial. This entails not just political maneuvering but a firm commitment to the party’s ideological roots, particularly its focus on the Malay-Muslim agenda, which has historically been a cornerstone of UMNO’s identity.
In the midst of UMNO’s 2024 General Assembly, one figure stood out for his thoughtful and impact speeches – UMNO Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, also known as Tok Mat. Tok Mat’s messages resonated with many, as he emphasized the importance of mature, courteous politics and the need to combat toxic politics. He cautioned that Malaysia was not spared from the “Gen Z revolution” and that the party must attract and retain the confidence of a new generation of voters by being more inclusive and responsive to their needs and aspirations.
Tok Mat’s call for leadership renewal was particularly noteworthy. He stressed the need for UMNO to produce new leaders who can instil and build trust among voters, especially in the face of changing political dynamics. This call for new leadership is not just about addressing the current challenges but about positioning UMNO for the future. The party must attract and retain the confidence of a new generation of voters who may not have the same historical connection to UMNO as previous generations.
Furthermore, Tok Mat emphasized the importance of maintaining UMNO’s dominance in negotiations, ideology and public policy. He urged the party to ensure that its core values and the interests of its constituents are safeguarded in any coalition it joins. This entails not just political manuevering but a firm commitment to the party’s ideological roots, particularly its focus on the Malay-Muslim agenda, which has historically been a cornerstone of UMNO’s identity.
As UMNO navigates the complexities of Malaysia’s political landscape, one thing is clear: the party must rise above toxic politics, embrace leadership renewal, and maintain its dominance in negotiations, ideology and public policy to remain a relevant and influential force in the country’s future. Tok Mat’s powerful speeches serve as a rallying cry for a new generation of UMNO leaders to step up, build trust with voters and safeguard the interests of the Malay and Muslims, all while fostering unity and social harmony in Malaysia’s diverse society. In the face of mounting challenges, UMNO has the opportunity to redefine itself and prove that it can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The future of Malaysia may well depend on it.