KUALA LUMPUR: Umno needs to go on the offensive even though it lacks the seats to be the dominant political power, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president also paid tribute to grassroots members for remaining loyal to Umno despite its fall from grace, as no branches had been disbanded.
"About 78 years ago, Malays set aside their differences to come together to build the nation.
"There have been three generations since. The development of Malaysia today is due to the efforts of Umno, without sidelining other races," said Ahmad Zahid during the Umno 78th anniversary celebrations at its headquarters here on Saturday (May 11).
"We now face challenges to stay relevant.
"I took over the Umno leadership when the party was going through tough times.
"We became the opposition, but Umno continued its struggle to uphold the Malays, Islam and Malay Rulers.
"As the eighth (party) president, I vow Umno will not be lost in history.
"Despite the (outcome of the) 2018 General Election, we have to respect the grassroots as not even one branch disbanded despite our fall," said Ahmad Zahid.
He said Umno needed to think outside the box and look forward.
"We have to change from defensive mode to offensive. Umno must understand the game and subtly reach out to the people.
"We have to court the Undi-18 (voters) and use social media and artificial intelligence," he said, adding that more Umno leaders should be active on social media.
