Saying many viewed Umno as being in its twilight years and far removed from the imagination of “post-modern Malaysians”, Mohamad called for a rejuvenation of the party to be in harmony with the thinking and expectations of people today.

Mohamad, who is fondly known as Tok Mat, said: “Whether we accept it or not, Umno is seen to be aging and in its twilight years. We are no longer seen to be in sync with the times.”

In a speech in conjunction with the party’s 76th anniversary at Menara Dato Onn in Kuala Lumpur today, he said: “We need to begin working towards making Umno and the Malay political struggle more contemporary,” adding that the party had lost its “sentimental connection” with the Malays.

Mohamad said Umno had continued to be trapped in its former glory.

Meanwhile, a proposal to amend Umno’s constitution is expected to be tabled by party vice-president Khaled Nordin at the special Umno general assembly on Saturday.

Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said the proposal included the postponement of the party’s election six months after a general election, which was approved during the general assembly held in March.

Ahmad said 2,666 delegates were expected to attend the special general assembly and vote for the constitutional amendments.