KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will retain the "dacing" (balance scales) symbol for the upcoming general elections while remaining open to potential collaborations with the 18 parties in the unity government.
Party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the potential collaboration was to avoid overlaps and ensure effective voter support.
"In less than three years, we will face the 16th General Election.
"I agree with the suggestions from fellow leaders and grassroots members that in the upcoming elections, we should continue using the Barisan Nasional symbol.
"However, we must not rule out collaboration with the 18 parties in the unity government. This collaboration needs to start now, as we do not want coordination to happen only during the elections," he told reporters.
Zahid said this was one of the five key points of Umno's "new direction" which he shared with delegates in his speech during the closed-door presidential briefing here, today.
The Deputy Prime Minister said he wanted the Umno leadership at all levels to draw lessons from BN's victory in the Nenggiri by-election, where the coalition managed to reclaim a seat that they had previously lost.
He pointed out that in Nenggiri, the Kelantan state government ruled by Perikatan Nasional was unable to defend its seat.
"If there have been any doubts about Umno's relevance or concerns that it was being rejected by the Malay community, this victory clearly provides new momentum for Umno's leadership at all levels.
"If everyone in the party is united, organises effective strategies, and works diligently, Insya-Allah success will be ours, just as it was in Nenggiri," he said.
Zahid also said it was vital to approach by-elections, state elections, and general elections with strategies tailored to the local political landscape.
On government performance, he said Umno's seven ministers and six deputy ministers had demonstrated excellent performance.
Their achievements, he added, were being displayed on boards around the halls of the World Trade Centre.
"This is not to boast or to be arrogant, but to inform delegates and observers in this general assembly that the ministers and deputy ministers have fulfilled their responsibilities for the people and the party's struggles.
"We must also address the agendas of the ummah, and as a Malay party, advance our agenda while respecting and including other ethnic groups, religions, cultures, and languages.
"Our efforts to engage with other races must be done authentically.