UMNO must self-reflect and acknowledge that the party is not perfect, says its president, Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid said self-criticism was essential towards strengthening the party.

“Despite having been the backbone of the government for the past two years, we need to acknowledge we are not perfect.

“Self-criticism is necessary to fix our weaknesses,” he told a press conference after the Umno general assembly here on Saturday (Aug 24).

Ahmad Zahid also stressed the need to adapt technology usage when approaching voters, especially the younger age group.

“We need a new approach where we may have overlooked or did not focus on certain areas,” he said.

The Umno president also said aligning efforts between the party’s youth and Puteri wings at federal and state levels was essential to attract youths.

On the general assembly, Ahmad Zahid said the mood was very positive.

“It’s not only the mood that has changed. There is a renewed energy as well as extraordinary ideas and views compared to previously.

“More importantly is how we regroup to empower the party at all layers,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid added that Umno would also uphold its agenda at the federal through its representation in the federal government.

“While Umno is a Malay party that upholds Islam, other races will never be left out,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of bridging the development gap between the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.

“Umno’s federal ministers are committed to translating this into policies,” he said.