Speaking at the opening of Umno’s 80th anniversary convention at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today, Mohamad described the loss as the party’s most difficult moment, when it faced intense ridicule, with some openly calling for its demise.

“Many who wanted to bury us have instead been ‘buried’ first. Some even ended up burying themselves,” he said, without naming any party or individuals.

Bersatu, which had sought to replace Umno as the main platform for Malay political struggle, has been grappling with internal turmoil, including the expulsion of its former deputy president, Hamzah Zainudin, at the height of a leadership tussle with the president, Muhyiddin Yassin.

Hamzah is reportedly set to lead a new party, though he has also hinted that the platform he may join could already exist within Perikatan Nasional.

Mohamad said that despite enduring waves of political turbulence, Umno has not collapsed but remains resilient, determined to rebuild and renew itself.

Umno’s “Rumah Bangsa” initiative has seen many former leaders return to its fold, including Khairy Jamaluddin.

Analysts describe the move as part of a broader strategy by Umno to regroup and consolidate its strengths ahead of the next general election.

Mohamad said the party has managed to regain its footing under Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the current leadership lineup.

“Some fled in the dead of night. Some self-sabotaged. But that’s the nature of things, when trouble starts, people run,” he said.

He also cautioned that the party can no longer rely on nostalgia, and must instead prove its worth through performance, integrity and genuine reform to restore public confidence.

“The Malays want confidence in the future Umno can offer, not emotional appeals, pleas for sympathy, or demands for repayment of past favours,” he said.