KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita Umno is grooming a new generation of women leaders through its “30 Pathway” (Laluan 30) initiative, preparing them for leadership roles in Parliament, state assemblies, the Senate, GLCs and community organisations, says its chief Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad.
She said the initiative aims to ensure women are chosen on merit rather than to fill quotas, noting that the party has discussed 30% female representation for too long without seeing real candidates on the ballot.
“The Wanita wing in every division must identify potential candidates who can serve in Parliament, state legislative assemblies, the Senate, GLCs and community leadership.
“We find them, we build their talents. We test them, we give them experience. Then we prepare them to lead,” she said in her policy speech at the Wanita Umno general assembly.
Turning to party politics, Noraini warned delegates that Barisan Nasional’s traditional “blue wave” (gelombang biru) is not enough to secure victory without a parallel “wave of trust” from voters. She stressed that Umno must not rely on voters’ anger towards rival parties or opponents’ mistakes to win elections.
“We must win because the people have regained their trust in us,” she said.
