THERE is an upbeat mood in Umno a year since it had been toppled from power in the last general election, said party leaders.

They said the new optimism is clear during yesterday’s 73th anniversary where members and leaders feel confident of a new beginning.

They added that last year’s anniversary celebration, held just two days after Barisan Nasional (BN) lost Putrajaya, had been sombre, with an almost empty Putra World Trade Centre where Umno is based.

This year, the scenario is different.

“There is a new spirit among us. Our anniversary celebration is moderate this year but very different from last year. Even in terms of the number of people who have attended this year,” said Kota Raja Umno Youth information chief Mohd Zaffarollah Mohd Nordin.

“Umno is undergoing an exciting phase. The presence of all top leaders as well as those from PAS has created a new beginning for this 73-year-old party,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

In the 14th general election (GE14), the Umno-led BN only won 79 seats compared to 133 in GE13. Umno itself fared poorly, winning only 54 seats as opposed to the 88 it won in 2013.

Following the defeat of BN, Najib Razak decided to step down from helming Umno, and replaced by Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

However, Zahid himself had to go on leave after a slew of criminal charges, handing over the party reins to deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

At the same time, the party was rocked by defections of its MPs to Pakatan Harapan parties.

Umno has since joined forces with PAS with the aim of consolidating the Malay support base.

Umno information chief Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the difference in the last year has been stark with every level of leadership now ready to work towards strengthening the party.

He added that this year’s party anniversary is celebrated in every state.

“The rehabilitation process has been fast. I am confident this will continue and we can keep the momentum.”

He said the party is also looking at making several changes to keep up with the political tide in the country.

This was agreed at the special supreme council meeting yesterday.

“We don’t want to be left behind. We want to move forward, strategising our ways and being close to the people.

“In the coming annual meeting, Umno will be introducing some major changes that will align the party with the new political landscape and struggles. It will give the party a new image.”

The anniversary celebration yesterday started with a prayer recital and the party’s anthem. This was followed by Mohamad’s speech.

Also present were MCA president Wee Ka Siong, MIC president SA Vigneswaran as well as PAS leaders – secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, information chief Nasruddin Hasan and Ulama Council chief Mahfodz Mohamed. – May 12, 2019