'Umno must consider contesting under its own ticket, that's my view' - Azalina

KOTA TINGGI - Umno should consider contesting on its own ticket in the elections instead of under the banner of Barisan Nasional (BN), its information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said today.

The Pengerang MP explained that this was her personal opinion and her right as a party member to express her views, however her views are not a representation of the party's official view.

She said stating opinions was not an offence, as it had become a democratic practice within Umno to freely give views and opinions.

“What I’m saying is I’m giving an opinion on the actual situation of the party as a member and what’s the likely scenario to happen in the future.

“This is my view as an Umno member and not the official Umno or BN view.

“I was shocked (when some disagreed) because we are a democratic party in Umno, this meant that we have conditions, some competition and we allow Umno members to give their views, but the views must be correct.

“It’s not giving out views if we insult each other. What I wrote on my Facebook page, touches on the topic of democracy as the main topic, getting comments or being reprimanded is normal,” she said.

She said such when met by reporters after launching the Pengerang Parliamentary Level Seramak Merdeka Malaysia Ceremony in Dewan Kejora, Badan Penawar, here on Thursday.

Azalina on Tuesday on her Facebook page questionedwhether it was time for Umno to contest under its own ticket in the upcoming election, instead of contesting under the BN flag.

She was reacting to various statements regarding BN's disappointing performance in the recent state elections, including several calls by party members for Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to step down.

Azalina commented if there were individuals, including other party members who did not like her views on the matter, it was up to them as they have their own rights.

“It is their right to reprimand anyone and I have the right to do so with anyone, but it’s not possible when we write and suddenly others have the ideas of Umno moving to the right or left. I want to remind us all as a coalition of political parties, old or new, we must emphasise sincerity in the struggle.

“If we want success we must give the freedom (to speak), if all the times we speak and people perceived it negatively, its like forcing someone to marry with good intentions, but if there are only negative perceptions how are we going to form a happy family,” she said.

Azalina said that as a politician she had the rights to give her views as thiswas in line with the principles of democracy.