He said Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had in his policy speech emphasised the need for party members to come to terms with the fact that it would be difficult for the party to return to holding absolute power.

Given the present context, especially the outcome of the 15th general election (GE15), Umno has had to change its approach and establish alliances with other coalitions and parties, Johari said.

Umno is presently part of a unity government led by Pakatan Harapan which includes long-time nemesis, DAP.

Speaking to reporters after attending the Umno general assembly here, Johari said the party must work to produce leaders who can regain the trust of voters.

He acknowledged, however, that presently not everyone is keen to join Umno.

“That is why we need to change our approach and work with other parties to revive the country.”

Meanwhile, fellow vice-president Khaled Nordin said the party must work hard at all levels for Umno to regain its dominance.

He also said the party would not limit itself to defending the 30 parliamentary seats Barisan Nasional won at GE15.

“We hope to contest in more seats, but we will need to work hard to win them all.”

On a motion by 72 Umno divisions demanding a full royal pardon for incarcerated former prime minister Najib Razak, Khaled said the initiative was proof that the party’s members have not forgotten the contributions of its former leaders.

He said Umno remains firm in its view that Najib, who is currently serving six years in prison after being convicted for graft, was not accorded a fair trial.

Khaled said the party would continue to champion the cause, adding that it has every right to do so.