Zahid's body barbs draw 'sexist' fire from Kasthuri, but Noraini wasn't his only target

Deputy chief of WARDA Nasional, Aishah Zain, has criticized UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for making inappropriate remarks about Noraini Ahmad's appearance and age during the party's 2026 general assembly. Aishah stated that Zahid's joke, which likened Noraini to "grandmothers," was unbecoming of a senior political leader. She emphasized that being a grandmother is not a shame and that older women have valuable experience and contributions that deserve respect.

Aishah argued that comments about women's appearance, especially by senior political figures, can normalize the idea that women are judged based on their physical appearance rather than their abilities. She urged the party president to set an example by showing respect to fellow leaders. Zahid made the remarks during his winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly, joking that Noraini had become thinner and "looked like a grandmother." He also reportedly told Noraini to eat more, which was captured in a recording of the speech.

Noraini Ahmad's daughter, Datuk Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid, later apologized to her mother personally for any offense caused by the joke. Nurulhidayah claimed her father intended it as a joke and did not mean to demean anyone, but acknowledged that a person's appearance or age should not be the subject of jokes. Aishah cited Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, which prohibits mocking, insulting, or giving offensive nicknames to others.

She emphasized that claiming something was said in jest does not absolve one of the responsibility to be mindful of their words and respect another person's dignity. Despite welcoming Nurulhidayah's apology, Aishah urged Zahid to take responsibility and apologize directly to Noraini. She stressed that respect for women should be reflected in the words and actions of leaders, regardless of political differences.