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KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Women executive committee member Datuk Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid has apologised on behalf of her father, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, following remarks he made about Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad’s appearance at the party’s general assembly, which drew disappointment from members.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s daughter said she understood that the remarks had hurt some Wanita Umno members, stressing that a person’s physical appearance or age should never be made the subject of jokes.
In an Instagram post accompanied by a photograph of herself with Noraini, whom she affectionately called "Kak Ani", Nurulhidayah said she believed her father had intended to joke and did not mean to demean anyone.
"Personally, I believe and am very confident that the Umno president may have intended to joke and did not mean to demean anyone, but sometimes an unguarded joke can have a different impact on the person hearing it," she wrote in the post on Sunday.
She added she agreed with concerns raised within Wanita Umno that the party should not underestimate its women's machinery, which she described as among Umno's most loyal supporters.
Nurulhidayah also addressed Zahid's reference to the "grandmothers' machinery", saying the term risked implying that women were no longer capable of serving or leading.
"If grandfathers can still lead, why not grandmothers? They are among the most loyal pillars of Umno, working through difficult and good times without asking for much," she said.
She said she had personally received feedback from Wanita Umno members who were disappointed by Zahid's remarks following his winding-up speech at the 2026 Umno General Assembly.
"If anyone was hurt, especially Kak Ani (Noraini), I personally, with humility and an open heart, as a daughter, apologise for his words or jokes on stage at the Umno General Assembly yesterday," she said.
Earlier, Zahid had drawn criticism during his assembly speech after making remarks about Noraini's weight and appearance, including suggesting she eat more and referencing weight-loss medications.
He had also made light-hearted remarks about Melaka Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh's appearance while discussing the political situation in the state.
Nurulhidayah said she would take the feedback positively and remain mindful of the feelings of fellow party members going forward.