Latest news with #79thUMNODay
The Sun
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
UMNO urged to stay pragmatic amid political challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO must not remain static or rigid but instead embrace a pragmatic approach in facing the dynamic political landscape and increasingly complex challenges of the times, said party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said UMNO cannot rely on outdated methods and must be bold in adjusting its strategies, approaches and operations to align with the realities of today's political environment. 'The present generation of voters, namely Gen Z and Alpha, view things from a different perspective, shaped by social media timelines, not old rhetoric whose meanings have faded. 'Historical narratives no longer stir their emotions. What they truly seek is a future that offers hope for themselves and the nation,' he said in his message at the 79th UMNO Day celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here today. Ahmad Zahid said the rakyat is now more open-minded and critical, while public reliance on political parties continues to decline, resulting in a trust deficit driven by the image of leaders who bicker, make empty promises and neglect the people's interests. Touching on UMNO's recent by-election wins, including Ayer Kuning, he reminded members not to be complacent, stressing that far greater battles lie ahead. He said the party must move forward with a fresher narrative, more strategic communication and sharper, more decisive and courageous groundwork. 'The Sabah state election will soon open its arena, followed by state polls in Melaka, Johor and ultimately, the 16th General Election, the major battle that will determine the future and fate of the country,' he said. Ahmad Zahid also urged UMNO members to avoid internal conflict and not be swayed by negative perceptions and sentiments that could weaken the party. 'We may have differing views, but we must move in unison, as this is key to regaining the people's support,' said the Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament. Meanwhile, 48 individuals aged between 16 and 30 received their graduation certificates from the UMNO Patriotic School (SPU), the inaugural batch who completed a 12-week leadership course designed to groom the party's next generation of leaders. Ahmad Zahid said the SPU graduates are proof that UMNO is actively building a new generation of successors who understand the party's historical roots, while nurturing quality future leaders who are courageous, credible and critical thinkers. A special tahlil was also held during the event to mark UMNO Day and in remembrance of the fifth Prime Minister and sixth UMNO president, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The Sun
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
BN, PH to build state-federal alliance for Sabah polls
KUALA LUMPUR: The alliance of parties in the MADANI Government, particularly Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH), in facing the 17th Sabah state election must be coupled with cooperation between federal and state-level parties, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO president, said this is because BN has no intention of going solo in the next Sabah state election. 'BN and PH are not just a simple 'plus'; this is 'plus, plus, plus', which reflects our openness (to collaborate with Sabah parties). Clearly, there will be no peninsula- or Sabah-based parties going it alone,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, told reporters this after officiating at the 79th UMNO Day celebration and the UMNO Patriotic School (SPU) convocation at the World Trade Centre here today. He said such collaboration is essential to ensure that development plans for Sabah can be continued if the coalition secures victory in the state election. On May 9, PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Unity Government Secretariat chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced in a joint statement that PH and BN had agreed to work together in facing the next Sabah state election. Ahmad Zahid also advised all members of parties in the MADANI Government not to raise issues surrounding seat allocations in any state elections 'Don't be led by emotions or individual perspectives when analysing the situation. Matters like seat distribution should be left to the top leadership. We at the top level frequently meet and hold discussions, but this matter has not even been raised, so there's no need to bring it up. 'I think it's too premature to indulge in polemics in this matter,' he said. He was responding to remarks by Amanah Youth exco member Fadhli Umar Aminolhuda, who criticised UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for rejecting the proposed 14:14 seat-sharing formula between PH and BN for the next Melaka state election.
