Umno Needs To Be Realist And To Change, Says Najib

PHNOM PENH, May 10 (Bernama) -- In celebrating its 64th anniversary On Tuesday, Umno must realise that it needs be a realist and be willing to transform for now and the future, says party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"The two aspects are important as the people are not only seeing Umno from its history but also its position now and in the future."

He said this when asked by Malaysian journalists on his message in conjunction with the party's 64th anniversary, after attending the Cambodia-Malaysia Business Forum, here, Monday.

Umno, established on May 11, 1946, was the pillar of the Alliance then which fought for the country's independence and the forerunnmer of the Barisan Nasional which until today remains the ruling coalition.

In looking back at Umno's history, the prime minister said 64 years was a long time.

He said Malaysia had become successful because of the sound policies of Umno and BN. "Umno and BN were responsible for the country's big transformation," he added.

"However, Umno cannot be complacent as the people are not judging the party based on historical factors alone but also its contributions now and in the future.

"Umno must be dynamic and fresh, and breathe a new life into itself.

"If Umno does not bring about transformation, we may be exposed to the elements that have adversely impacted other political parties that are as old as Umno," Najib said.