Umno must prove sincerity in reform, says Wanita Chief

KUALA LUMPUR — Umno must demonstrate genuine commitment to change by carrying out meaningful transformation and opening up space for grassroots voices, said Umno Wanita Chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.

She said the party was now operating in an era of political reality rather than political nostalgia, warning that voters were no longer easily swayed by rhetoric.

“Voters want to see opportunities and what we can offer in the future. This is no longer the time for sentimentality, this is the time for the rakyat to assess performance. Wanita understands and accepts this reality,” she said.

Noraini was speaking during her winding-up speech on the debate of the president’s policy address at the 2025 Umno General Assembly held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. 

She stressed that Umno’s struggle remains resilient despite repeated challenges.

“Umno’s struggle has never withered with time. It has never faded, even when tested by storms,” she said.

Noraini also welcomed Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s aspiration to position the party as a “Rumah Bangsa”, or a home for the nation. 

She said Wanita Umno would throw its full support behind the agenda.

“At the Wanita level, we will mobilise every effort and resource to win back support from all segments of society,” she said.

Noraini also expressed support for the proposal to establish a digital school to further strengthen the party’s machinery, particularly on social media platforms.

She said Wanita Umno would focus on two key approaches 'heartware', which emphasises emotional connection and engagement with the people, and 'hardware', which focuses on technological strength.

“Wanita Umno will establish a special digital squad as the front line in facing the battle in cyberspace. Wanita cannot lose, and we cannot afford to fall behind in this competition on social media,” she said.