THE Federal Territories Ministry has dismissed claims that the Madani Government has marginalised Umno from policymaking and implementation efforts in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan.
Nor Azrina Surip, political secretary to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), issued the clarification following remarks by Batu Umno Division Chief, Datuk Gulam Muszaffar Shah Gulam Mustakim, who alleged that Umno was being sidelined in the Federal Territories.
“I feel compelled to respond to the public statement made by Batu Umno Division Chief, Datuk Gulam Muszaffar Shah Gulam Mustakim, who alleged that Umno has not been given space to play a role in the Federal Territories,” she said.
She warned that such claims risk misleading the public and misrepresenting the inclusive approach being pursued by the Madani administration.
The rebuttal comes after Batu Umno announced it had severed ties with Pakatan Harapan, accusing the coalition of failing to honour a promise to allocate one of six council subzones in the Batu parliamentary area to Umno.
In response, Nor Azrina affirmed that representatives from Barisan Nasional (BN)—which includes Umno—are actively involved in various federal territory agencies and advisory bodies.
“BN leaders have been appointed to the DBKL Advisory Board and the Kampong Bharu Development Corporation through internal Madani Government negotiations,” she said, adding that these appointments were based on merit and conducted through a transparent process.
She further clarified that special ministerial allocations and community programme funding are open to all qualified parties, including NGOs led by Umno members. This includes organisations from the Batu Umno Division, provided their proposals align with criteria and public interest.
Nor Azrina reiterated that the Madani Government remains committed to inclusive governance, ensuring that all coalition partners and stakeholders have avenues for meaningful participation in Federal Territories development. - September 19, 2025
