Umno Women chief Noraini: Give us more important ministerial roles in govt
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Umno Women chief Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad today said that joining forces with its longtime political rivals to form the unity government is proof that the Malay party puts national interest as priority.
Speaking before 1,159 Umno women delegates at the Umno general assembly 2023 in the World Trade Centre (WTC) here, Noraini said the political partnership shows that Umno is a mature party.
“This collaboration has proven that Umno and Barisan Nasional, as a big party, are able to put the interests of the country above ego and dignity.
“We never imagined that we would be working with our political rivals. In today’s political reality, there are no more friends or opponents. There are only allies,” she said.
While a minority of Umno grassroots members had voiced their disagreement with the party working together with its rivals, Noraini called for all members to accept the decision with an open heart.
“We should accept the coalition in this unity government with an open heart. Why? Because we have roles and responsibilities. We need to ensure that political, economic and social stability in this country can be established.
“Remember, we are no longer a dominant party. We’re not going to contest all the seats. We need to work together. We need to compromise. To bring victory to the unity government, which we support together,” she said.
Noraini said it was time for women to be given the opportunity to lead more senior ministerial positions in the government.
“From the old days, we know and realise that women are an important pillar in the nation’s development. Nobody should underestimate the roles and duties of women.
“We don’t want women to be given traditional portfolios. We do not want women to just warm up the seats in agencies and Government Linked Companies only. It’s time for women to be given bigger roles,” she said.
