Umno celebrates its 65th anniversary today as it steers the country towards a better future in the face of mounting challenges that are no less severe than at the time of its inception.

The most pressing problem faced by Umno is disunity among the Malays, who are split into three groups, namely under Umno, PAS and PKR.

Drumming up the theme 'Championing the People', Umno is also spearheading the BN government in the march towards Vision 2020 and a high-income economy.

Experience has mellowed Umno over the years. It had been declared illegal in 1988, and endured an upheaval following the sacking of its deputy president in 1998 and a dismal performance in the 2008 general election.

NONE Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor (right in photo) said at 65, Umno had matured and became more progressive, and undaunted in taking changes.

"There were lessons to be learned from what we had been through from the time the first president (Onn Jaafar) left the party. We had moved on for Umno was not only relevant before but also now and forever," said Tengku Adnan.

He said Umno was also analysing Singapore's election results where the ruling party's big win was marred by the opposition gains.

"We are worried and have to find ways to explain to the people, especially young people. We have to deal with cyber onslaughts. Umno and BN must tackle the problems of young people and inform them what we have delivered.

Umno aspired to have 'generation Y'

"Of course, sometimes they do not believe what we tell them and probably they do not bother about history.

"But we must remember history for every step that we take without looking back, we are bound to repeat our mistakes," he said.

muhyiddin hishamuddin zahid shafie deputy vice presdient umno 2009 victory 270309 08 Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Umno aspired to have "generation Y" (youths) from every level of the society assailed the branch and divisional leadership.

"Political transformation must be made through the party's constitutional amendment with more delegates choosing future leaders while the choice of candidates in the election must reflect the grassroots' support," he said in a message in conjunction with the anniversary.

He said with the president gunning for winnable candidates, it sent a strong message that the performance of elected representatives was being monitored.

Party vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein said he was thankful that Umno's leadership had endured the economic, political and administration quandaries with confidence.

He said there were much more works needed to be done to ensure the survival of the party by putting the people first.

Another Umno vice-president Mohd Shafie Apdal said the party should intensify efforts to unite the Malays and Bumiputera through social, educational, religious and economic activities.

Cannot afford to be complacent

tenang by election nomination day 220110 shahrizat abdul jalil Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said women's struggle should be at the forefront of Umno to ensure that the party continued to be relevant.

"Although Umno has somewhat restored its credibility, we cannot afford to be complacent," she said.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said Umno leaders should observe the changing political landscape with the younger generation being more open and knowledgeable.

"We have to be more open. We must be flexible and quick in our actions to adapt to the changing landscape," he said.

Umno supreme council member Mohd Ali Rustam said he believed Umno under the leadership of Najib Abdul Razak would continue to be the umbrella for the Malays and Bumiputera to shelter and unite.

"I believe Najib through his people-friendly approach will lead Umno and BN to a better future and pursues economic growth for the benefit of the people," he added.

- Bernama