While acknowledging that UMNO was open to working with any party, she stressed that such partnerships must not come at the expense of the party’s identity.
KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO must not compromise its core principles, dignity or the voice of its grassroots in pursuing political alliances, said UMNO Wanita chief Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad.
In her policy address at the wing’s general assembly today, Noraini outlined five principles the party must uphold when entering any coalition arrangement — not compromising the foundation of its struggle, the party’s dignity, national stability, Malaysia’s multiracial character or the voice of its grassroots.
While acknowledging that UMNO was open to working with any party, she stressed that such partnerships must not come at the expense of the party’s identity.
“We can be friends with anyone. But we must know who we are,” she said.
Noraini said being part of a coalition comprising parties with different histories and ideological leanings did not mean UMNO should lose its voice within the government.
“Cooperation must not erode identity. Identity, in turn, must not become an excuse to reject cooperation. We must be smart in safeguarding both,” she said.
She said UMNO’s decision to join the unity government was driven by concerns over national stability and the public interest, but stressed that the party must continue building its own strength.
“If UMNO is important enough when a government needs to be formed, UMNO must also be important enough when decisions affecting the people’s lives are made,” she said.
Noraini said while Wanita UMNO recognised the value of compromise, conceding too much ground could create the impression that the party had no principles of its own.
“We can sit at the same table. But we must not let our seats and our voice keep shrinking,” she said.
In her speech, Noraini also reaffirmed Wanita UMNO’s continued appreciation of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, saying the party did not need to erase its history to move forward.
She urged members to recognise leaders who had devoted much of their lives to serving UMNO and the country.
“We appreciate those who have contributed to the party. We appreciate the leaders of the past who devoted a large part of their lives to UMNO and the country. And Wanita UMNO also does not forget the contributions of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. We do not need to erase history to build the future,” she said.
Noraini, who is also Plantation and Commodities Minister, pointed to Najib’s role in the country’s economic transformation, infrastructure development and social assistance programmes as part of Malaysia’s history.
She acknowledged the legal proceedings Najib continues to face, but said respect for the judicial process could coexist with compassion.
“But respecting the legal process does not prevent us from having human values. Wanita UMNO knows how to remember the contributions of others,” she said.
She ended her remarks with a prayer for Najib and his family, expressing hope that they would find the strength to face their ongoing difficulties.
“We continue to pray that the doors of justice and compassion will be opened, so that he can return to his family and continue the struggle together,” she said.
Najib is currently serving a prison sentence following his conviction in a case linked to the 1MDB scandal.
