KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — Likening the party to a "dying tree”, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that many have benefited from its bounty and now it is time to ensure its survival for posterity.

In his winding-up speech to delegates at the party’s annual general assembly, Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, reflected on the party’s drubbing in the last two general elections (GE14 and GE15) and said that the situation must be addressed so that Umno remains relevant in the country’s political landscape.

"This big tree, many have eaten its fruit, enjoyed its bounty. Many might claim not to need this tree, but don’t just enjoy the results. It has been our protector. Yet many want to kill it off.

"Our grandchildren seek nourishment, so let’s water the tree that has protected us all this while and borne the fruit that we have partaken,” he said.

On the opening day of the annual party gathering, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that he has reminded party members to accept that Umno is no longer the dominant political force it once was in Malaysia.

He said that the party must be prepared to do the groundwork and capitalise on every opportunity that presents itself during the state elections.

During GE15, which took place last November, Umno won 26 federal seats, with Barisan Nasional (BN) winning 30 seats out of the 191 contested.

Despite the drubbing, Umno and BN managed to be part of the federal government after it decided to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and other parties like Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) and Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) to form the federal administration led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.