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UNITED Malays National Organisation (UMNO) is not a party clinging to nostalgia but a forward-looking political institution that continues to shape Malaysia’s future, said party leaders as they marked UMNO’s 79th anniversary.
In an open letter, UMNO Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the party remains relevant not because of sentimentality, but because the people still believe in its role as the custodian of religion and race, a balancing force in government, and a guide for the nation's direction.
“UMNO is not a party born of vengeance or frustration. It is a political institution born from the struggle of the Malay people,” she wrote. “It remains resilient because it upholds discipline in leadership, builds trust with its grassroots, and embraces change with courage to sustain its mission.”
Azalina, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), emphasised that discipline is the cornerstone of UMNO’s strength, binding its members despite differences and ensuring order and structure in its journey.
“Discipline is not merely about rules. It reflects our dignity, maturity and commitment to the struggle,” she said, adding that the thousands of ongoing branch meetings nationwide are evidence that these values remain deeply rooted in every layer of UMNO’s leadership and membership.
She highlighted the party’s discipline and unity during elections, noting that party machinery operates not just as volunteers, but as committed fighters carrying out their duties without expectation of reward.
Azalina also pointed to ongoing efforts to modernise UMNO’s operations, such as the establishment of Sekolah Patriotik UMNO and strengthening of its digital machinery, to produce a future generation that is historically aware, technologically adept, and attuned to the needs of the people.
“I urge the UMNO family to make this 79th anniversary not just a moment of remembrance, but a new beginning,” she said. “Let us prove that UMNO is not a relic of history, but the driving force of the nation’s future.”
UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on members—especially the youth—to reignite their fighting spirit and renew their commitment to the party’s legacy.
“UMNO has journeyed through nearly eight decades of struggle. God willing, with unity and courage, we will carry UMNO into its second century as a party that builds, not destroys,” he wrote in a message on Facebook last night.
Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, described UMNO as a people’s movement born from patriotism and bravery in the fight for independence. Since its founding in 1946, he said, UMNO has been a central pillar in shaping Malaysia’s nationhood.
“Despite challenges such as internal splits, damaging perceptions, slanderous politics and waves of change, UMNO has never shirked its responsibilities,” he said. “Today, it stands once again as a pillar of stability in the Unity Government, advancing a progressive and inclusive development agenda for all Malaysians.”
He described the party’s 79 years as a symbol of maturity and deep-rooted strength, having cultivated generations of leaders, built institutions, championed social justice, and offered hope to Malaysians in both urban and rural communities.
Zahid also extended his gratitude to all party members at every level: “Happy 79th Anniversary to all UMNO members who have remained loyal in defending the dignity of our religion, race and nation.” - May 11, 2025