The threats of liberalism and extremism are among the challenges which UMNO must tackle to retain its strength, says vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is performing the duties of UMNO deputy president, said the party faced challenges such as interpretation of democracy, to ensure UMNO's relevance, enhance unity, radicalism, social welfare, universality of Muslims and tackling digitalisation.

In his debut speech when launching the general assemblies of the UMNO Youth, Wanita UMNO and Puteri UMNO, Ahmad Zahid said the nation's success was not only envied by those from outside but also inside because they realised Malaysia is the only nation which is progressive, peaceful and prosperous and headed by an Islamic leadership in partnership with races of numerous religions.

"This situation clearly has triggered envy so much so they plan numerous attacks on the party and government leaders. They will not be satisfied so long as they don't see the nation in chaos, fall on its face and the people suffering," he said in his speech titled Decade of Challenging Politics.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the opposition lulled the people with the propaganda that the nation would go bankrupt and numerous other allegations and false stories which were exaggerated.

"Indeed, we should be worried by changes taking place in our society, changes which involved not only changes to the social strata, in fact, more worryingly is the trend and thinking of the people which leads to the politics of hatred," he said.

Ahmad Zahid said, UMNO members and the people should not be taken in by the liberalism ideology which is coming close to the country.

He said they must always be clear that democracy for this country is a freedom which is based on the constitution and embroidered by the law.

"So, I urge all the UMNO wings to stand firm together with the president and myself to correct the situation. We reject the Open Society Foundation which finance countries they aspire to control in their interests."

He said the reform of radicalism and extremism must be done to tackle all negative elements which could threaten national peace.

The challenge in retaining power by UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) was because many party leaders were feared to have become more complacent whilst the mansion they were staying in was at a very critical stage.

He said 198 of the 222 Parliamentary seats which were won by BN in the 11th general election (GE11) dropped to 140 seats in 2008 and to 134 seats in 2013 and now 132 seats with the departure of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (Pagoh) and Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Semporna).

"For friends in BN, don't be worried with the solidarity of UMNO.Let us vow to fight together and to defend BN during GE14," he said.

In his speech, which contained quotes from the Quran, Ahmad Zahid stressed on the importance of solving the cost of living hemming in the people, especially in urban areas.

He was worried if the problem was not tackled well many would be disgruntled with the government and subsequently change into silent killers of the government.

"As such, in the effort to unravel the problem, UMNO, as the backbone to the government must always endeavour to explain to the people that the government's main agenda is clear and structured in the effort to boost the standard of living of the people, including the lives of the people in the towns."

Ahmad Zahid urged the UMNO wings to be wise in controlling cyber space seriously in warding off numerous slanders, accusations, criticisms and attacks from the enemies of the party.

He said the cybertroopers must be united in drawing up strategies to oppose the enemies and not often squabble with one another.

In fact, he revealed that there were those who were trapped in the agenda to promote political merchants who give brands to certain figures. -- Bernama