Aid from the Umno-led federal government to flood-hit Penang last month is just the latest example of why the party remains great, claimed Umno acting deputy president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In contrast, he said, the opposition was a group in disarray, headed on a "cruise to nowhere."

Speaking at the launch of the Umno wings general assembly tonight, Zahid said the party’s practice of "universal" politics was its formula to remaining great.

"The moment I was contacted at 3.30 in the morning and begged to help the flood victims, I set aside political differences, I set aside everything.

"The victims shall receive aid and shelter. Anyone who is beset by a disaster or difficulty will always receive help from BN!" he exclaimed.

Zahid, who serves as home minister, was referring to the early morning call that Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng made on Nov 5, urging him to mobilise the army to aid the state and its flood-hit citizens.

The deluge that devastated Penang followed record rainfall in the state, and claimed seven lives.

In his speech, Zahid said Umno was not a party that only looks after Malays, but all Malaysians.

He also said that Umno was the backbone of BN, the multiracial coalition which governs the country.

Zahid later ran down the opposition, paying special attention to Umno-splinter group Bersatu.

"There is a president who remains silent, as though he has no power.

"The chairperson runs the show, and makes all the decisions," he said, referring to Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad and president Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin has been largely absent from news headlines in recent months, although he is still active on the ceramah circuit. 

Mahathir, on the other hand, continues to be a regular fixture for most news agencies.

He also mocked Bersatu's failure thus far to hold an annual general assembly. 

This was one of the reasons cited by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) as to why it has not registered the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan, of which Bersatu is part.

Zahid said the coalition was one that had too many "captains", who would want to lead the coalition in different directions.

"Where do you think this ship would go? The answer is that it would keep circling the same place. A cruise to nowhere," he said.

Harapan's leadership lineup consists of de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, Mahathir as chairperson, and PKR's Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as president.

It also has three deputy presidents, namely Muhyiddin, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.