KUALA LUMPUR: Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday paid tribute to the party grassroots for their undying support to the leadership.
The deputy prime minister said this despite the party suffering a dismal loss in the 14th general election in 2018.
"There was not one branch that was disbanded or is now defunct.
"We have seen how the grassroots have made sacrifices for the party," he said at Umno's 78th anniversary held at Dewan Tun Hussein Onn at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre tonight.
Zahid, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, urged party leaders to come forward with fresh ideas, in tandem with the political shift that changes so rapidly.
As the party reflected on the early struggle and sacrifices made by the grassroots in upholding Umno, it is time for leaders to employ their own methods at their respective levels.
Umno leaders who were elected by the grassroots must come forward to give ideas and do the extraordinary, he said.
"We may no longer be as before - pawning our jewellery for the party.
"We (are) no longer able to grant development and positions as we previously did, but (what) we (do) today must be felt by the people."
Zahid expressed his gratitude to party leaders and grassroots that remain loyal to Umno, as well as the supreme council that delivered duties entrusted to it.
"Behind the supreme council are leaders at the division, wings, and branches that remained strong.
"(And) behind the leadership, there are grassroots that remain loyal.
"These are Umno leaders and grassroots that are the hopes of Bumiputera Malays and the Malaysians as a whole."
He said Umno's priority was the country's political stability and the well-being of the people, especially the Malays and Muslims that formed the basis of the party's struggle.
He also joined party members to perform Maghrib prayer, solat hajat, doa selamat, and later Isyak prayer at the gathering.