AFTER Umno’s poor outing at the 15th general election, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the priority must now be to restore the party’s strength, not to serve the wishes of disruptors within.

Umno and Barisan Nasional suffered the worst defeat in their political history when they only won 30 of the 178 seats contested in the election.

The Umno president said members at every level should use political wisdom and practise ethics in efforts to strengthen the party.

During an interview with RTM on its programme “Naratif Khas Bersama Timbalan Perdana Menteri” tonight, Zahid said the goal of uniting the party was more important than serving those within who will never stop disrupting the party’s unity until it breaks.

The rural and regional development minister called on Umno members to reflect and unite in their thinking and efforts to restore the party’s clout.

“Let us reflect, practise self-criticism on what had been done, not point fingers at just one person,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zahid said Umno divisions nationwide will hold simultaneous meetings this year and focus on elections at the divisional and central levels.

He did not divulge specific dates for the meetings to be held but stated that the 2023 Umno General Assembly will be held in the middle of this year.

“The divisional meetings for 2023 will be held simultaneously throughout the country on the same day and that’s when there will be elections to choose leaders at the divisional as well as national levels,” he added.

In July last year, party secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said the Registrar of Societies approved the party’s request to amend its constitution so that elections at all levels can be held no more than six months after the general election is held.

The general assembly is scheduled to take place from Wednesday to Saturday after it was postponed due to the polls. – Bernama, January 9, 2023.