The younger generation of Malays are becoming less appreciative of Umno which has contributed significantly to their success, delegates at the party's 54th annual general assembly were told today.

Johor Menteri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman said Umno is faced with a generation who were not supporting the party's struggle as they should be.

He reminded delegates of how the opposition managed to secure a substantial number of votes in the 1999 general election, which he said should serve as a warning when the party gears up for the next polls.

"We failed to approach them (the younger generation). This has made them skeptical and cynical, and less appreciative of the struggle of the earlier generations," he said when debating the presidential speech at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Serious efforts

In view of this, he said serious efforts must be made to attract these affluent middle class Malay youths to join the party.

Abdul Ghani said this will ensure that Umno and the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition score a bigger victory at the next elections, which in-turn would provide the new party leadership with a stronger mandate to bring greater success to the country.

Earlier, Federal Territory Umno chairperson Tengku Adnan Mansor expressed his confidence that the party and the country under the stewardship of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would continue to prosper.

"We should be proud that our leaders have, in a short time, succeeded in building a strong nation, as well as upholding Islam in this country," he said.

Dr M's contributions

Meanwhile, Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob said only "stupid and arrogant" Malaysians would not admit the great contributions of outgoing premier and party president Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He also voiced his appreciation for Mahathir's wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, whom he described as the force behind the premier's successes.

A similar accolade came forth from Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali, who thanked the first lady for 'sharing' her husband with Umno and the people.

Mahathir will step down from the government and party in October. The 76-year-old statesman has led Malaysia and the party for 22 years.

He will be succeeded by Abdullah, who was appointed deputy premier and Umno deputy president, following the sacking of jailed politician Anwar Ibrahim in 1998.