KUALA LUMPUR: Umno must chart a clear, forward-looking path grounded in reform, integrity and performance to remain the party of choice and continue driving Malaysia’s progress, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, setting the tone for the party’s future direction.
The Umno deputy president said restoring public confidence would depend on tangible improvements and a renewed vision for both the party and the country.
“Umno must restore the confidence of the bangsa through performance, honesty and meaningful reform,” he said, posing key questions about the party’s long-term direction.
Mohamad said this in his speech while officiating at Umno’s 80th Convention, held here on Saturday (May 2).
“What is Umno’s vision for the future? What kind of Malaysia do we want to build? And what kind of Malay community do we want to nurture?” he asked.
Mohamad said the challenges facing the party were becoming increasingly complex in a globalised and digital world, requiring bold strategies to strengthen competitiveness and relevance.
“How do we drastically enhance the competitiveness of the Malay community? Position Malay professionals on the international stage? Elevate our universities to world-class institutions?” he said.
He added that Umno must also navigate the impact of globalisation and digitalisation to safeguard socio-economic interests while ensuring political continuity.
“Look at the crisis in the Middle East. What lessons does it hold for our economy, and how can such crises make us more resilient?” he said.
On the digital revolution, Mohamad described it as the most transformative shift in human history, adding that younger generations are “digital natives” growing up in borderless environments.
“How will Umno capture their attention and convey the essence of Malay identity, national struggle and the continuity of the bangsa?” he said.
He stressed that Umno’s future must also reflect Malaysia’s multiracial fabric, warning that national unity remains central to political strength.
“We are not managing the Malays alone, but diversity. When our non-Malay partners and Bumiputera in Sabah and Sarawak raise challenging issues, how do we manage them so that we remain the core political force in Malaysia?” he said.
Mohamad said Umno’s trajectory could not be separated from the broader goal of a united Malaysia, adding that a nation without multiracial consensus would not succeed.
He also highlighted the importance of preparing the next generation of leaders, calling for a structured and deliberate transition.
“Umno must be passed on to the next generation. Have we laid a strong foundation for generational change?
“Have we nurtured a more sophisticated Malay leadership capable of managing an increasingly cosmopolitan Malaysia?” he said.
Mohamad urged the party to be ready to present younger, more innovative and capable leaders, stressing the need for an orderly transition.
“These challenges must be addressed with an open mind. If we fail to act now, Umno’s influence, strength and visibility will be affected in the long term,” he said.
