KUALA LUMPUR: Do not kill the Umno "tree" that has provided a lot for party members, says deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said members should continue to protect the “tree” for the benefit of future generations.

"Let’s not have clashing opinions as we need to revive (the party). We have been punished when we lost the general elections twice. There’s no other option.

"Those who have enjoyed the 'crops' or have taken refuge under the ‘tree’ previously, do not kill it; our future generations still need it,” he said during his winding-up speech at the Umno General Assembly on Saturday (June 10).

Mohamad also called for the delegation to prepare for the upcoming elections in six states within the next few months.

"We don’t have much time, we have assigned other states to help the states that are facing the polls.

"Our mission is to defend our dignity and goals," he added.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that Umno was currently wounded and it required “treatment” on the party’s declining health.

"The most effective medicine for Umno begins with unity and solidarity among us.

"An injured party needs a sincere heart to unite for our beloved country and race," said Mohamed Khaled.

He called on Umno members to ensure the recovery of the party as its main mission.

"We hope one day, we will return united," he added.

Another vice president, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said that as a party man, Umno members should put the party’s interest over everything else.

He cited Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as an example, saying that the party leader persevered despite being pressured to dissolve Umno previously.

"Although there are many among us, who were threatened and pressured and offered various rewards to leave Umno, we still persevere in upholding the party's principles and trust.

"The president himself was once threatened and pressured to dissolve Umno.

"However, he still defended the party and did not bow to such insistence and pressure, even though he had to face prosecution in court," he said in his maiden winding-up speech at the party’s general assembly.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/10/039don039t-kill-the-umno-tree039-says-tok-mat