LANGKAWI: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today urged Umno members to embody the spirit of the eagle, which possesses high endurance and a strong will to live.
Zahid said that, Umno, just like the eagle, should become more resilient as it ages, despite the many obstacles it faces.
"A total of 69 years have passed. Do you know that every five or 10 years, tests will be meted out by Allah? Leaders will be tested. Why? Because it is a sign that Allah loves them.
"Let us look at the days when Umno founder Datuk Onn Jaafar was tested, when he tried to convince others to join the party, when they were working hard to gain independence. Also, during the days of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Hussein Onn, and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad where there were more tests, as well as during Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's time.
"There are also tests for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today. Only leaders who are competent will be able empower the party as the backbone of Barisan Nasional (BN)," said Zahid in his speech during the opening of the Langkawi Umno division delegates meeting at the Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC), here today.
Also present were Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid, Langkawi Umno division chief Datuk Nawawi Ahmad, and Langkawi Umno Youth division chief Nor Saidi Nayan.
Later today, Zahid will be officiating the Jerai Umno division delegates meeting.