KUALA LUMPUR: Women must be given equal opportunities to participate in politics, including being fielded as candidates and having a greater role in decision-making, says a Johor Wanita Umno delegate.
Wanita Batu Pahat division chief Haliza Abdullah said women’s participation in politics can no longer be left to subjective considerations or treated as an afterthought.
“Women are often showered with praise, and sometimes we get carried away by it. We are the backbone, pillars and roots of the party’s strength.
“While we appreciate that, in my view, meaningful recognition is not just about words, but about translating those words into space, opportunities and trust.
“That is why we appreciate it when the president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) mentions the policy of 30% women’s participation.
“It recognises that women are not just there to drive the party’s work and machinery, but should also have a place at the table where decisions are made and policies formulated.
“Women’s selection can no longer be treated as a subjective matter, nor can it be a case of 'if there is an opportunity, we will see later',” she said when debating the president’s policy speech at the 2026 Umno General Assembly on Saturday (Sept 12).
Haliza added that despite a 30% quota for women’s participation in politics, Umno’s current quota stood at only 10% to 13%.
She said if women were truly considered the backbone of the party, they should be given more opportunities to step forward and take on greater roles.
“Give more women room to step forward. It does not have to be many, as I know we have to be practical.
“But if 30% cannot be achieved, even 20% would be acceptable. The current statistic for women’s participation in politics is too low,” she said.
