KUALA LUMPUR: Umno must lead in ensuring 30% women's participation in leadership positions and make this part of the party’s constitution, says Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
Noraini said the party must set a timeline for this, noting it is not just an emotional request but a strategic measure to empower women.
“This must begin from within Umno itself and be enshrined in the Umno constitution.
“We are not just machinery to be mobilised during elections nor quota fillers. We must be involved in policy making as the Wanita wing is part of Umno’s core,” she said in her policy speech when opening the Wanita Umno wing assembly held at the World Trade Centre on Thursday (Jan 15).
She said this request aligns with current developments and requires strong political will.
“Wanita Umno will prove that this trust in us will not be in vain. I appeal for the party to support this agenda towards creating a democracy that is mature and fair,” she said.
Separately, Noraini said the 30 seats won by Barisan Nasional during the 15th general election must serve as a platform for the coalition’s revival at the coming 16th general election.
“Today, we are at a political crossroads. With less than two years until the general election, we cannot be complacent and must review our strategies.
“The 30 seats we won must be retained, and we must ensure they become the start of our revival,” she said.
In her speech, she further emphasised that Umno is a party that will never stay down.
“History has proven that Umno has never crumbled. We always rise like the sun after the darkest night.
“We have never been afraid of challenges but have instead embraced them head-on,” she said.
