PETALING JAYA: Umno marks its 71st anniversary today with a call to Malays to remain united while ensuring the rights of all other races are protected, said its secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

He said a gathering of more than 120,000 party members would be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil to mark the event and reflect Umno’s solidarity.

“We stand hand in hand to ensure this country remains ours and to ensure other communities also have a place,” Tengku Ad­­nan said in an interview with the party’s online portal Umno Online.

Party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will address the gathering at 9.30pm with a speech that is expected to fire up the party ahead of the 14th general election that many ex­­pect to happen this year.

Tengku Adnan said Umno remains strong in light of solid support it is receiving not just from party members.

“The Malays as a whole realise that their success is due to an Umno which is focused on ensuring that development benefits not just the Ma­­lays but all Malaysians.”

Tengku Adnan said one reason why this year’s Umno anniversary celebration was special was because last year’s event had to be postponed following a tragic helicopter crash in Sa­­ra­­wak that killed two leaders.

“I am confident that many will be attending the gathering to commemorate and reflect on all that we have achieved,” said Tengku Adnan.

The gathering will start with maghrib prayers followed by a religious talk.

Other activities planned are a flag run led by Youth chief Khai­ry Jamaluddin, and a live crossover from Putra World Trade Centre of the ground-breaking ceremony for Umno’s new headquarters and the awarding of the “Anugerah Tokoh Melayu Ter­bilang’ award.