Party momentum: Sabah Puteri Umno delegates in high spirits. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The debates across the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings touched on political cooperation, the role of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the party and socio-economic issues.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Shaik Hussein Mydin said the party will not compromise its principles when it comes to race, religion and royalty.
“Although we are in the unity government, we will fight you if these three red lines are crossed,” he said when winding up Wanita Umno debates at the World Trade Centre KL yesterday.
He said the party must strengthen itself and rise again to become the dominant force on the political front.
“We must win in Malay-majority seats. Only when we are strong will we be respected by both allies and foes. Now, they are talking about Muafakat Nasional and more, but will they give us the seats we request?” he said.
Johor Wanita Umno information chief Haslinda Salleh urged DAP to behave appropriately and practise mature politics.
“Do not be rude in politics. Differences in political ideologies must not be turned into statements that are insulting.
“Mature politics demand being proper and responsible and prioritising harmony instead of provocations just for the sake of earning political brownies,” she said during the Wanita Umno debates.
Pekan Umno Youth chief Mohd Fakhrul Akhmal Mohamed said Najib still has influence in Barisan Nasional and Umno’s dominance during the last Melaka and Johor state elections.
“How can we enter the battle when our best commander is not with us? We have lost time and money, and this was proven during the recent Sabah polls. This is a reminder that we need Najib Razak,” he said when debating the Youth chief’s policy speech.
Mohd Fakhrul said Umno Youth should employ the concept of “wala” (loyalty to leaders) and trust that the party leaders will seek solutions to get Najib out of prison.
“Najib can still campaign for Umno. And we need him for the upcoming elections.
“The 16th General Election is less than two years away, and our commander is still locked up. Umno performed well during the last state elections held in Melaka and Johor,” he said.
Kedah Puteri Umno delegate Shazwin Ishak said many Kedahans are choosing to travel to Hat Yai in Thailand over Langkawi island, as vacations there are more affordable, claiming that the PAS-led Kedah government had failed to promote local tourism.
“Even our locals prefer to travel to Thailand, especially Hat Yai, because it’s cheaper there.
“Locals in Langkawi are burdened with unpredictable ferry schedules and soaring prices,” she said.
She also said that reports up to September 2025 indicated a 39% decline in the tourism sector in Langkawi.
Shazwin said Puteri Umno had urged the relevant authorities to provide subsidised childcare centres in every industrial zone.
“When women can work with peace of mind, productivity rises, and the state’s economy will grow as well,” she said.
Selangor Puteri delegate Ainil Hawa Masfawangi raised concerns over the rising number of divorce cases nationwide.
On Nov 20, chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said divorces in 2024 increased by 4.1% to 60,457 from 58,095 in 2023, with the Crude Divorce Rate rising to 1.8 from 1.7 per thousand population.
“I’m personally scared to get married,” she quipped.
She cited several main causes that led to divorce, including poor communication, domestic violence and financial problems.
“Domestic violence is no longer hidden, and we must face it properly,” she said.
