KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — Umno must go beyond its traditional rural base and win over support in cities if it is to stay relevant in a changing political landscape, party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday.

In the party’s 68th anniversary celebrations at the Putra World Trade Centre here, Najib said that the party must appeal to urban voters as it needed to tap into the intellectuals who make their home there.

“While we must retain our hold within the rural areas, we must focus with voters from urban or semi-urban areas,” said Najib.

Najib, who is prime minister, also urged Umno to make space for these intellectuals and scholars.

“We must give them a chance for them to be either an Umno member or for them to participate in the party’s activities so we can have intellectuals among our rank.”

The prime minister also spoke of moderation, saying that it has been Umno’s focus for a long time.

“Fairness not just to the Muslims, but to the non-Muslims too. Islam is not just about excellence, but also balance and moderation so that we are not extreme and liberal,” said Najib. “We are in the middle.”

In Election 2013, BN returned to power with a parliamentary majority of 133 seats to Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) 89.

Umno won the lion’s share of BN’s federal seats, securing 88 spots courtesy of its support from the Malay heartland.