Zahid said this is necessary to adapt to a political landscape that has evolved significantly since the party’s formation in 1946.
“Our success in the Ayer Kuning by-election shows that voters are more receptive to solutions that touch their daily lives rather than being continuously bombarded with increasingly nauseating political rhetoric.
“Umno’s legacy cannot be passed down merely in name but must be inherited as a set of values of leadership.
“We must cultivate quality successors who are capable and demonstrate critical thinking,” he said.
Zahid said Umno must avoid being dragged into a “race to see who can be more radical”.
“Instead, we must remain a centrist party. This is the politics we must uphold in leading the nation,” he said at the party’s 79th anniversary celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, said Malaysia’s political climate is much more dynamic now, as no single party can safely dominate an election and form a government.
“Umno used to be the main axis of political stability, but today, we face an uncertain reality. Political parties must now form coalitions and share power to form a government,” he said.
Central leadership to decide on Melaka seat sharing
Zahid, who is Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, also urged the grassroots leaders of BN and Pakatan Harapan in Melaka to let their central leaderships decide on seat allocation for the state elections.
He urged all stakeholders to remain calm and avoid further escalating the dispute.
“Don’t entertain your emotions or the perspectives of any individuals. Let seat allocations be decided by the central leadership,” he said.
On May 8, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh rejected a grassroots proposal from nine Melaka DAP branches for PH and BN to contest 14 seats each in the next state election, telling DAP to “dream on”.
However, he misinterpreted a China Press report as saying that the proposal was made by nine DAP divisions rather than branches.
Melaka DAP publicity secretary Kerk Chee Yee clarified that this was merely a grassroots proposal by branches, and that the state chapter had yet to discuss the matter.