Umno Women chief backs unity government, urges bigger roles for females

The Umno Women chief, Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, has stated that the Malay party’s decision to join forces with its long-standing political rivals to form a unity government demonstrates its commitment to prioritising national interest. Addressing over a thousand Umno women delegates at the Umno general assembly 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Noraini emphasised that the political partnership is evidence of Umno’s maturity as a party.

“This collaboration has proven that Umno and Barisan Nasional, as a big party, are able to put the interests of the country above ego and dignity. We never imagined that we would be working with our political rivals. In today’s political reality, there are no more friends or opponents. There are only allies,” she said.

Despite some opposition from Umno grassroots members, Noraini urged all members to embrace the decision wholeheartedly. She argued that the party must work together to ensure political, economic, and social stability in the country.

“We should accept the coalition in this unity government with an open heart. Why? Because we have roles and responsibilities. We need to ensure that political, economic and social stability in this country can be established. Remember, we are no longer a dominant party. We’re not going to contest all the seats. We need to work together. We need to compromise. To bring victory to the unity government, which we support together,” she said.

Noraini also called for greater opportunities for women to take on more senior ministerial positions in the government, emphasising their crucial role in the nation’s development.

“From the old days, we know and realise that women are an important pillar in the nation’s development. Nobody should underestimate the roles and duties of women. We don’t want women to be given traditional portfolios. We do not want women to just warm up the seats in agencies and Government Linked Companies only. It’s time for women to be given bigger roles,” she said.