[UPDATED] Tok Mat: Umno must rebuild its strength as others seek its downfall

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has urged his party to rebuild its own strength, warning that others seek its downfall. In his final remarks at the 2026 Umno General Assembly, he emphasized that Umno cannot rely on external assistance to regain its strength and must learn from past failures. "Do not dream in broad daylight, because not a single party wants to see us rise again. They all want to see us buried," he warned.

Moamad highlighted that many parties had attempted to bring about Umno's downfall, but ended up in disarray themselves. "Those who wanted to do so, Datuk Seri President, ended up reading their own last rites," he added. He stressed that a strong Umno would be better prepared to face challenges and prevent others from exploiting its perceived weaknesses.

He reminded delegates that while political understanding is important, they must not forget their primary goal of building their own strength. "Let it remain an understanding. Do not get so carried away that we forget our priority is to build our own strength," he urged.

Moamad called on Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to maintain party unity and negotiate carefully ahead of the state election. He emphasized the importance of proper negotiations, stating, "Negotiate properly. If it is not right, do not proceed. We have dignity. Do not sacrifice our dignity to gain power."

Umno has never depended on the goodwill of others, Moamad reminded, recalling its founding purpose: to defend the Malays, their race, and their religion. He concluded by emphasizing that Umno's strength lies in its own foundation and values.