KUALA LUMPUR: Puteri Umno has raised concerns over what it described as continued discrimination against its members, urging the party leadership to give young women fair opportunities to contest elections rather than treating them as symbolic placeholders.
The wing said women candidates, particularly from Puteri Umno, were often subjected to stricter requirements than their male counterparts, despite repeated commitments to increase female representation within the party.
Speaking at the Puteri Umno delegates’ meeting, its chief, Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi, said calls for greater inclusion had yet to translate into meaningful action.
“Every year we talk about having 30 per cent women in leadership, yet this has not materialised within our own party. Commitments have been repeated many times, but they have yet to be fulfilled.
“This includes all women in Umno, including long-serving members of the women’s wing who have tirelessly served the party,” she said in her policy speech here today.
She questioned why Puteri Umno members were often overlooked when candidates were selected, while male candidates continued to be fielded despite weak prospects.
“When Puteri members are put forward, there are always conditions attached. But when men are selected, even losing deposits is considered acceptable.”
Nurul Amal emphasised that the wing was not seeking candidacies merely to fill seats or appease internal demands, but wanted candidates who could deliver victories for the party.
“We are not asking for candidates to protect our feelings. We want candidates who can win for Umno,” she said, urging the leadership to give young women genuine opportunities in both by-elections and general elections.
She also cautioned against an overly aggressive electoral approach, stressing that political success was not achieved by contesting every seat.
“Not every battleground needs to be entered, and not every battle needs to be fought. Focus on our strengths and manage resources wisely, because victory comes from strategy, not courage alone.”
She urged members to maximise all available platforms to engage with the public and communicate ideas, saying visibility was no longer optional but essential.
“Leadership does not begin with a title, but with action. Puteri are not political ornaments; Puteri are agents of change. Never doubt yourselves.”
Nurul Amal added that Puteri Umno should not merely function as a supporting wing, but as young leaders capable of shaping the party’s future and representing the voices of young women in national politics.
The wing also renewed its call for the party to review the age limit for Puteri Umno, noting that the proposal to raise the cap to 40 had been discussed repeatedly without a final decision.
“This proposal did not emerge suddenly, it is not emotional, nor is it about chasing positions. Yet, to this day, we are still awaiting a final decision from the party’s top management.”
She challenged Puteri Umno leaders at the divisional level to reflect on their roles as drivers of change, warning against complacency and passive leadership.
She added that Umno had once been a platform that elevated young leaders and urged the party to rediscover that progressive tradition.
“This is the era of young people! Opportunities must be shared equally. If the party still hesitates to give young women a chance, then we are straying from Umno’s own progressive tradition.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
