Respect Malay Rulers despite political differences, says Puteri Umno

KUALA LUMPUR: A Puteri Umno delegate has urged Pakatan Harapan not to challenge the authority of Malay Rulers, despite political differences, to maintain respect for the institution as the nation's constitutional cornerstone. Nur Atiqah Othman stated that while differing opinions and political competition are part of democracy, the royal institution must be respected and boundaries observed.

"We can have different political views and debate during elections, but when it comes to the royal institution, we must maintain respect and adhere to the limits," she emphasized at the 2026 Umno General Assembly. Nur Atiqah, also deputy chief of Kedah Puteri Umno, expressed her concerns to the party leadership regarding the dynamics of relations within the unity government.

She urged political partners to engage in genuine cooperation rather than merely making stage promises, highlighting that some Umno-drafted proposals received no response from coalition partners. The party machinery was reportedly sidelined, with meetings not called and discussions forgotten, according to Nur Atiqah.

She stressed that the party machinery is on the ground, facing voters' questions and complaints, and their voices and sentiments must be heard. Never should political decisions disregard the spirit of those working at the grassroots, she stressed.

Regarding calls for unity with other political parties, Nur Atiqah respected such views but stressed that Umno's principles, dignity, and identity must never be sacrificed. In politics, strategies can be adjusted, but the party's core values must remain intact.