Posthumous award: Noraini Ahmad (centre) presenting a certificate of appreciation to Umu Hani Assaidah Abdullah, the next of kin of the late Sungai Besar Wanita Umno division chief Datuk Zubidah Maskor. — Bernama
Noraini: Party must take lead in Political Financing Act
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno must take the lead in ensuring the Political Financing Act is realised, says Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
This will ensure that there is no room for accusations towards the party, as all contributions and donors will be on record.
“Umno and Barisan Nasional have always been on the receiving end of such accusations. This Act will not only protect Umno but the very essence of democracy.
“Some may be afraid of their secrets being exposed, but Umno is not one of them.
“We are a party of brave fighters that have proven our ability,” she said in her policy speech at the opening of the Wanita Umno meeting here yesterday.
Noraini stressed that the Political Financing Act is not just another law but one that reflects the new political era.
“The focus is on clean and transparent politics that prioritise the people. This is the legacy we want to leave behind and not that of accusations and slander,” she said.
In her speech, Noraini said Umno must lead the way when it comes to ensuring 30% women participation in leadership posts, urging for it to be bound in the party’s constitution.
“The party must set a timeline for this. This is not an emotional plea but a strategic measure towards empowering women.
“We are not just machinery to be mobilised during an election or to fill quotas. We must be part of the policymaking, as the Wanita wing is part of Umno’s core,” she said.
She said this request is also in line with current developments and will require a 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.
Noraini also said that political cooperation with other coalitions does not mean Umno will just remain followers.
“We must be at the core of the leadership. Umno has a proven track record in governing the country. Political cooperation or negotiations do not mean that we are weak,” she said.
Umno, she added, practises a brand of mature politics – one that is brave enough to set the “red line” when it comes to defending religion, race and the constitutional monarchy.
“This is not a rushed decision. Every risk has been weighed, and opportunities must be seized.
“Umno understands its principles and responsibilities,” she said, stressing the wing’s unwavering support for party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
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 in GE16.
“Today, we are at a political crossroads. With less than two years to go until the coming 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.
