Rauf said the state has avoided major internal disagreements over the past three years under his leadership.

“History has proven that Barisan Nasional can win in Melaka,” he said during Umno’s 80th anniversary gathering at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

He said BN holds three-quarters of the seats in the state assembly and its strength lies in its stability.

The five-year term of the Melaka state assembly will end in December, after which a state election must be held within 60 days.

Rauf said the state BN is ready to face elections after recent preparations.

He said Melaka should become a “reference” for Umno and the Malay community, urging party members to rise together and prove the party’s strength at the next polls.

He also said Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh had not interfered in state affairs but had championed grassroots issues, including those affecting farmers and fishermen, instead.

Looking ahead, Rauf acknowledged the challenge of winning back the younger voters, particularly those aged 18 and above, whose voting patterns remain difficult to gauge.

“That is why we did not win the last general election,” he said.

He said efforts are under way to rebuild the party after it lost in 2018, noting that applications have been received from former members seeking to return, including those who had signed up online.

Umno’s membership has seen a surge through its online application opened on April 20, he said, adding that almost 14,000 new members have registered as of 8am today.

Rauf also said Umno is set to produce a new generation of leaders in the next decade to shape its future narrative.

He proposed the establishment of a “Rumah Generasi Baru” under Umno’s “Rumah Bangsa” framework, so that the new generation can carry forward the party’s mission.