KHAIRY Jamaluddin has urged Umno members to come together and begin the rebuilding process after its crushing defeat in the 14th general election.

He said Umno should return to its founding spirit of being a party that is not seen as arrogant but as one with the people.

“I want Umno to become a party for the people. A party that upholds Malay rights, retains peace and harmony with other races; a non-racist party – a party that truly fights for everyone,” he said in conjunction with Umno’s 72nd anniversary today.

Khairy admitted that celebrating the party’s anniversary against the backdrop of defeat had never crossed his mind, and conceded that major changes needed to take place in the party.

“I urge all members who want to rebuild Umno from the fall we witnessed to join me because this change must begin immediately.

“We cannot delay it any longer. Umno has done too much for religion, race and country for us to let this sacred (keramat) party be destroyed and vanish forever,” said Khairy, who defended the Rembau parliamentary seat.

However, the Umno Youth chief did not spell out what he meant by change.

Yesterday, Khairy apologised to Malaysia for Barisan Nasional’s flaws and said such weaknesses were because of its leaders and not the pact itself. – May 11, 2018.