KUALA LUMPUR – Wanita Umno head Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad has lauded the apparent benefits of having top party posts uncontested, calling instead for members to throw their support behind existing leaders.
The Parit Sulong MP suggested that Umno has a higher chance of political survival if president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his deputy, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, are allowed to navigate the party through the tough waters it now finds itself in – following a dismal 15th general election (GE15) performance.
“How nice it would be if the president and deputy president titles are not contested (as) this will then give our leaders space to heal and empower Umno once again,” she said during her policy speech at the 2022 Umno general assembly here today.
“For the sake of our party’s stability, loyalty to our leaders is very important. Unity (within the party) will be the key to Umno’s victory.”
Last night, Mohamad, popularly known as Tok Mat, said that although he would prefer no contests to maintain unity, he is ready to defend his party post if anyone were to attempt to wrest it from him.
Besides that, Noraini revealed the party’s decision for its candidates in the coming state polls to contest under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner, saying that the call was announced by Zahid during his briefing to party wings yesterday.
She added that while many delegates might still be recovering from the shock of a crushing defeat during GE15, party supporters must rally together their forces for state elections expected to take place in the coming months.
“Whether we like it or not, we have to ensure that Umno achieves success (in the state polls).
“I know that some of us are angry, disappointed and feeling betrayed. But there must be some notion of loyalty (towards the party) left in every delegate if they are still willing to gather here today,” she said.
Six states – Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Negri Sembilan, and Kedah – are set to hold respective elections in the near future.
Additionally, Noraini, who had defended the Parit Sulong federal constituency by a slim majority of just over 2,000, echoed Zahid in calling for Umno to rid itself of members who lend a bad name to the party.
“We lost GE15 because of several factors, but internally, we were brought down because some members never stopped shooting themselves in the foot. (As such), a total internal cleanse without compromise must be done in Umno,” she said.
Yesterday, Zahid had made a strident call for an internal purge of the party, pointing out the need to eliminate “traitorous” personalities.
Umno wings – Wanita, Puteri and Youth – are set to debate their respective leader’s policy speech today as the party’s general assembly enters its second day. – The Vibes, January 12, 2022
