KUALA LUMPUR: Kedah Wanita Umno has backed the party president’s call for an earlier 16th General Election (GE16).
It also claimed that some party leaders have been unfairly treated in recent high-profile cases.
Padang Terap Wanita Umno chief Suraya Md Isa said the party was once again being tested by such actions.
"Wanita Umno deeply sympathises with the plight of some leaders from Kedah. Everyone knows about this case.
"Although no sentence has been handed down, some were made to wear orange clothing and handcuffed. (One) leader was only taken in to give a statement," she said while debating the Wanita Umno chief’s policy speech at the World Trade Centre (WTC) here on Thursday (Sept 10).
She believed this treatment was intended to tarnish Umno’s image.
"We respect the investigation process, but please do not mistreat anyone before the investigation is completed. Do not incite hatred against Umno," she said.
Suraya pointed out that Tabung Haji was established by the country’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, who was also Umno president at the time.
"Umno was involved in establishing and enforcing the laws governing Tabung Haji.
"Umno will never protect anyone who is guilty. If someone is guilty, then let them be punished.
"But if this is simply about revenge and deliberately bringing Umno down, then there is no need for that," she said.
She said Umno could not remain silent if unity existed only in name.
"If there is only unity in name and a lack of understanding, we cannot just keep quiet.
"If you want to be friends, you must be genuine friends. Don’t be two-faced, different to our faces and (acting otherwise) behind our backs.
"We want to cooperate, but it cannot be at the expense of our dignity. If it reaches a certain point where a decision has to be made, then we must make it.
"So, Kedah Wanita Umno supports the president’s call for an early general election," she said.
Last week, Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he supported an early GE16 to secure a fresh mandate from the people.
The current Parliament term runs until December next year.
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Wanita Umno, Umno, General Assembly, Kedah, Padang Terap, Suraya Md Isa, Support, Early GE16, Party Leaders, Unfair Treatment, High-Profile Cases, Tabung Haji
