Former deputy minister Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said Umno was still an important and relevant party because it remained the biggest Malay-Muslim party in Parliament.

"Umno has 54 seats and was backed by 3.5 million voters in GE14. Compare this with Pakatan Harapan which has 73 non-Muslim MPs and 41 Malay-Muslim MPs.

"This showed that Umno's struggle - as the main party representing Muslims and Malays - was still important and relevant," he said in a statement published on Umno's website yesterday.

He said this as a reminder to those who are now questioning Umno's future and are considering abandoning the party's struggle.

Asyraf, who was unsuccessful in his bid to unseat PAS in Pasir Putih, said Umno was still leading BN, which as a whole has 79 seats in Parliament.

"It is a fact that BN and Umno now have an important role to ensure that the voices of the people are heard, even if it (means BN and Umno) are the opposition.

"(We must be) effective, respect and play the check-and-balance role to ensure our country achieves glory," he said.

He said Umno members should be introspective and not point fingers at others following the party’s defeat at the polls, adding that Umno was likely being tested by God to ensure that the party returns to its roots and address its weaknesses.