UMNO needs to always adapt itself to the changing times to ensure it remains relevant in facing any challenges, says Sabah Umno liaison committee chairman Bung Moktar Radin.

He said Umno can no longer depend solely on its history of achievements since its establishment 75 years ago in the peninsula (31 years ago in Sabah), but should instead effect changes to make the party the people’s choice.

Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said changing times have brought various new challenges that have tested all of the party’s policies and methods.

“Ultimately, it’s the people who will determine the future of Umno as a party that practises a democratic system.

“However, we must adapt to the changes around us, because no matter how awesome we are, if we don’t want to make changes, the party’s position will be threatened,” he said in his message in conjunction with the 31st anniversary of Umno in Sabah, which will be celebrated tomorrow.

Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah deputy chief minister, said although Umno and BN have done a lot of good, the challenges now are different as the people are facing a health and economic crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The people want a government that can assist them at this difficult time,” he added.

Bung Moktar also said that Umno has successfully waded through many challenges throughout its 75 years of existence so far because it has held on to its formula of looking after the people and not just struggling for its members.

In the Sabah context, Bung Moktar said Umno has undergone many challenges upon spreading its wings to the state in 1991, but the episode that affected the party most was its defeat in the 14th general election, which resulted in various accusations thrown about and some members leaving the party.

“We view this testing time positively. Praise be to God, we still have party leaders and members who are principled and are loyal to the party’s struggles, thus making Sabah Umno more mature, stronger and more experienced in facing the challenges. Until now, not even one Sabah Umno division has disbanded,” he added. – Bernama, February 20, 2022.