Grassroot members are UMNO's strength - Hishammuddin

UMNO members at the grassroot level are the source of strength for the party to ward off accusations hurled by the opposition, said its vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said UMNO would not be able to withstand the attacks by the opposition, as well as current challenges, if there was a split among the party grassroots members.

"Enough of infighting. All UMNO members at the grassroot level should enhance the party struggle.

"It is the grassroot members who will determine the future of UMNO and of our children," he said when opening the Melaka UMNO branch meeting here today.

Also present were Puteri UMNO leader Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Melaka UMNO Liaison Committee chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

Hishammuddin, who is Defence Minister, said the UMNO grassroot members should also be bold enough to caution party leaders from being swayed by the opposition's game, like putting UMNO leaders at logger-heads.

"Various stories are spread by the opposition against UMNO in the social media. This is our challenge now, so, we have to close rank and unite," he added.

At the function, Hishammuddin also launched the official song for Melaka UMNO, with the title "Umno Melaka, Melayu Gemilang".