UMNO AGM | Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's maiden presidential speech at the Umno annual general meeting last night has received praise from his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak.

The former Umno president said Zahid's speech was very spirited and that he had managed to outline positive steps for the party to move forward.

"I see that his speech encompassed not just internal (party) aspects, but also the position of the country, especially on the disappointing promises being made by the Pakatan Harapan government today... and on certain principles such as rule of law.

"This raises the question as to why these (promises) do not adhere to what they (Harapan) have voiced out before," he said to reporters after listening to Zahid's keynote address at Merdeka Hall in PWTC last night.

Najib, the Pekan Umno chief, said he hoped party members would take heed of the messages in his successor's speech.

"I hope Zahid's speech inspires Umno members to keep fighting, as we need commitment, loyalty and confidence that Umno's struggles are bigger than any consideration for ourselves.

"This is a very meaningful struggle that is very meaningful, one that must continue and be strengthened," he added.

Also speaking to reporters at the fringes of the assembly was former vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, who expressed hope that the ideas relayed in the president's speech would reach all levels of the party, including the grassroots.

"This is so the spirit that we show at the assembly this time is not just for some fun in the hall, but will become the basis for us to push the party forward.

"It is not enough for those in the hall to support us.

"What's important is them out there... how we present the party so that it will be accepted by those outside, especially the youth, would mainly depend on what we do after this," said Hishammuddin, who had opted out of contesting for any top posts in the June Umno election.

The Umno AGM this year, which ends today, is the first since the party – under Najib's leadership – suffered a historic defeat at the 14th general election in May.