JOHOR BAHRU, May 11 — Umno marked the 80th anniversary of its founding at Istana Besar Johor today, in a symbolic tribute to the party’s historic beginnings.

Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was among those present at the commemorative event.

Also attending were deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Johor Umno chief Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and other senior party leaders.

The event also saw King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, and Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail pose for a commemorative photograph with the party leadership at Tangga Selat, Istana Besar Johor.

Tangga Selat is recognised as the site where Umno was founded on May 11, 1946.

In a Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid said that over its 80-year history, Umno had endured periods of rise and decline and faced political challenges, internal divisions, public perception issues and changing times.

“Yet Umno continues to stand firm because its strength lies not merely in its name, but in the fighting spirit of its members who remain loyal in defending the race, the religion, and the nation,” he said.

Umno Supreme Council is scheduled to hold a meeting at the Johor Umno Liaison Office at 3 pm today.

In a separate post, Ahmad Zahid said that his presence alongside party leaders at the historic site was not merely to reminisce, but to honour the contributions of earlier generations and renew the party’s commitment to its struggle.

“Here was where Malay leaders gathered, uniting their determination and courage to defend religion, race, the homeland and the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Mahkota Ismail for graciously attending the historic photography session. — Bernama