May Zahid Hamidi Continue to Be Strengthened

On October 9, 1996, a significant moment in Malaysian political history unfolded when Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emerged victorious as the 11th Chief of UMNO Youth. At 44 years old, Zahid’s win stood out, as it was an unprecedented contest involving five candidates. Zahid secured 199 votes, defeating his closest challengers, Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik, Tan Sri Isa Samad, and Abdul Rahman Salleh, marking a remarkable achievement in his political career.

Now, on October 9, 2024, 28 years later, this victory is etched in UMNO’s history. Over 300 UMNO comrades who have stood with Zahid throughout his journey gathered to honor this date, reflecting on his long and arduous political path. Zahid’s resilience and perseverance can be likened to the themes in Shahnon Ahmad’s novel Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan, where the protagonist faces numerous hardships, much like Zahid in his political endeavors.

“Politics is about standing firm when our rights are challenged, when our peace is threatened, when our harmony is torn, and when our sovereignty is mocked. We must rise together to defend them,” Zahid once emphasized. These words encapsulate his approach to leadership, characterised by a refusal to back down in the face of adversity. He has long endured both praise and criticism, adopting the belief that “bowing one’s head is not to be trampled on, and being gentle is not to be taken for a fool.”

Despite holding various roles within the government over the years, Zahid insists that his achievements are not an end, but rather the beginning of new challenges. His political journey began in 1984 when he was elected as the UMNO Youth Chief for the Bagan Datoh division. From there, he rose through the national ranks, eventually becoming the UMNO Youth Chief of Malaysia in 1996. However, his career faced a temporary setback during the political crisis between Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim, which saw him detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for two weeks.

Undeterred, Zahid viewed this as part of the trials of his political struggle. In the 2000 UMNO Supreme Council elections, he proved his relevance by winning a seat and maintained his position in the council until 2007. Today, Zahid remains the leader of this historic party, aware of the heavy responsibilities that come with the presidency. His duty is to uphold the party’s foundational pillars, defending religion, race, and nation.

Zahid has made it clear that he is committed to standing by the truth at all times, warning that if UMNO strays from this path, the party’s identity will be lost. “Being the President of UMNO is laden with responsibilities and sacrifices,” he said. “But these sacrifices are worth it, as UMNO’s struggle is for the people. The struggle for UMNO also means a fight for the future of religion, race, and the nation.”

The challenge before Zahid is to ensure UMNO remains relevant, which can be achieved by spearheading reforms and introducing new strategies that resonate with society. The recent victories in several by-elections are evidence that UMNO and Barisan Nasional are still supported by the people. These wins also demonstrate that cooperation within the Unity Government, as part of UMNO’s “renewal and strategy,” is a sound approach, adapting to changing political landscapes and contemporary preferences.

Zahid believes that, with the support of his comrades and various stakeholders, UMNO can once again regain its dominance in the national political arena, reminiscent of its golden era as the preeminent Malay party in the country. One thing is clear: Zahid must remain strong in the face of numerous challenges to ensure that UMNO remains steadfast and continues to be accepted by the people.

May Allah continue to grant Zahid Hamidi the strength and determination to persevere in his noble struggle.