KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has successfully thwarted attempts to split the party and is now working and rebuilding towards its resurgence.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said elements of disunity which were sought to be injected into the party failed to shake the consensus and unity of the Barisan Nasional component party's supporters.
On the other hand, he said the attempts made Umno understand how important it was to defend the party as well as religion, race and the country.
"New tests and trials made Umno more skilled and forward looking.
"Insya Allah, as long as the party has the strength and ability as well as Allah S.W.T's consent, the Umno president will ensure that this uprising will never be extinguished," he said.
He said this in a Facebook posting, in conjunction with Umno's 76th anniversary today.
Zahid said, despite reaching the age of 76, Umno remained the spirit and identity of the Malays, centred on the people and the country.
He said Umno advanced without dragging the people into chaos, instead moving in line with the true meaning of democracy.
"It must be remembered that after May 9, 2018, Umno was rumoured to be finished, no longer relevant. In fact, Umno was accused of having no direction.
"The new president was pressured to dissolve the party, its leadership and loyal members were pressured to surrender and defect.
"Thanks to the blessings of the Almighty, we survived, we resisted, and we rose with wisdom and prudence.
"Facing the age of 76 years has made Umno more mature and great, full of experience and knowledge," he said.
In another Facebook posting, Zahid said Umno will return to fight in the 15th general election (GE15).
"Our practice is based on consensus and we are not divided. Umno's struggle in GE15 is much purer. For the sake of truth and duty," he said.
He said those who said that Umno is no longer relevant have made a big mistake.
"They were daydreaming. Assuming the impossible and nonsense.
"Umno, on the other hand, is like an enormous tree which is waiting to bear fruit for the second time.
"Even though it nearly fell when struck by a storm, its roots are strong and intact. The noble Umno tree remains firmly rooted, keeping all in its shade," he said.