Tok Mat: ‘Rumah Bangsa’ should anchor Malay unity, but Umno won’t form new political alliance

KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita Umno has presented five guiding principles for any political cooperation, emphasizing that such collaboration must not undermine the party's principles, identity, or grassroots influence. Wanita Umno leader Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad explained that the party must first grasp its role within the present government, which was established through collaboration among parties with distinct backgrounds, ideologies, policies, and struggles.

She emphasized that Umno's participation in the government is driven by a desire for national stability and the welfare of its citizens, but this should not imply the surrender of its voice. Noraini stressed that while compromise is necessary and working with others is vital, excessive concessions could diminish the party's standing.

She clarified that while Umno can collaborate with others, it must not relinquish its seat or voice at the table. Noraini emphasized that Umno is not a passive participant in the nation's political journey, having previously led the country and retaining the capacity to shape its trajectory. She reiterated that Umno has joined the government for stability and will continue to safeguard it, yet this should not prevent Umno from fortifying its own strength.

Wanita Umno outlined these five principles for political cooperation: preserving the party's core struggle, upholding the party's dignity, maintaining national stability, preventing marginalization of Malaysia's multiracial society, and never sacrificing the grassroots voice. Noraini noted that some contend a struggle rooted in religion and race is no longer relevant in evolving times, but Umno remains committed to its identity, even as it advances.

She affirmed that Umno will not abandon its identity for the sake of progress and defended the party's stance on defending the interests of Malays, Islam, and the nation. Noraini reaffirmed Umno's identity, asserting that the party was established with a sense of purpose to protect religion, race, and homeland, and it is not a group that emerged in response to political trends.

She affirmed that Umno's identity remains intact, born from the need to safeguard these core values. Noraini stressed that while Umno's identity politics should not be conflated with a politics of hatred, the party remains dedicated to upholding the religion of the Federation, the status of Malays and Bumiputera as outlined in the Federal Constitution, the Malay language, and the role of Malay Rulers.

She emphasized that Malaysia's development should not entail erasing the identities of its diverse communities but ensuring each group feels secure and can contribute to the country's progress. Noraini urged Umno to remain steadfast in its values, adopt a moderate approach, and be progressive in its actions. She acknowledged that while approaches and times may change, Umno's core principles of the struggle will never be compromised.

Noraini called for the party to uphold the Federal Constitution while harnessing technology, empowering the youth, and creating more opportunities for women. She affirmed that change is possible without losing identity, and progress can be achieved without eradicating the foundations of the struggle Umno has cultivated over the years. History provides Umno with its roots, but the future necessitates direction.