Sombre mood at Umno’s 72nd anniversary bash
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno marked its 72nd anniversary celebrations in a sombre tone following the GE14 outcome that was devastating to the party.
The celebrations, held at Putra World Trade Centre, started with a tahlil ceremony and a dinner attended by party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He did not give a speech. Last night’s event was in stark contrast to the fanfare at last year’s anniversary do where colourful banners were hung on the rafters at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Back then, the stadium was filled with messages such as “no retreat no surrender” and “Islam develops with a United Umno” as Najib declared the party’s readiness for the elections.
Last night, no banners were sighted as Umno suffered its biggest defeat after Barisan Nasional failed to achieve a simple majority to form the Federal Government.
Later, after the function had ended, there was a scuffle after a man claiming to be from Federal Territory Umno Youth made a statement calling for Najib to resign.
On Facebook, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said it was time to rebuild the Umno of old that all knew and loved.
The rebuilding process, he said, should be based on Umno’s original struggle and spirit, where the party was not seen as only for the elites, detached from the rakyat and void of integrity.
“I want Umno to return to becoming a party for the masses and one that safeguards the pride and dignity of the Malays while not forsaking other races.
“The party should also sincerely fight for people from all walks of life,” Khairy said in a statement yesterday.
For that to happen, he said a drastic change must happen within the party.
“We must conduct changes that were unthinkable before this.
“What we need now is absolute honesty, extraordinary courage and bitter sacrifice,” he said.
He called on all party comrades to rebuild Umno from the ruins seen today.
“All party members should be united in such changes as it must start as soon as possible as we cannot afford to delay it any longer.
“Umno’s contribution and deeds to religion, race and country is too big for us to let our beloved party be destroyed and erased from existence,” he said and added it was not the time to give up.
“If we return to the party’s original struggle and heed the voice of the rakyat and party members who want Umno to change, then with Allah’s blessings, the phoenix will rise from the ashes,” said Khairy in the statement.
“For the first time in our country’s history, Barisan, which is led by Umno, has lost its power.
“The result is so disappointing and heartbreaking, and this despite Umno winning 47 parliamentary seats and 129 state seats.”
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party’s legacy must be preserved for religion, race and country.
“Changes must be made based on the will of the rakyat who still loved Umno.
“This sacred party must be defended as it’s struggles have benefited the masses,” he said in a Facebook post.
Puteri Umno chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said party members must not wallow in sadness.
“We must look ahead and rise while making positive changes to the party.
“It is up to us, the Umno members, to make the changes. If there are those who are no longer with us, let them be,” she said in a statement.
Mas Ermieyati also said that adversity “will only make the party’s struggle more meaningful”.