Umno needs to be brave to accept changes, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR - Umno needs to be prepared to be more progressive to ensure that the party remains relevant after the 15th General Election (GE15), adding that it should be brave enough to accept drastic changes including at the top leadership.

Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the party election session reflects Umno's openness to the idea of ​​accepting women in the 'Top 5' competition which was previously held by men.

"If you look at Umno's leadership, it is not about gender. I have been an Umno member since 1989 and the party does not favour only men.

"Faced with the state election and GE16, the way people choose political leaders is more about individuals and Umno must accept that individuals will measure the strength of a party, not gender.

"When I was the Puteri Umno chief, I also did not agree that the position was only given the task of being a 'cheerleader'. Puteri must bring the voice of young Malay women and Wanita Umno to contribute to Malay women's issues in the country.

"Umno needs to be prepared because of the demands of voters and members, now it may be different from the previous approach," she told reporters on Monday.

It was previously reported that the Legal and Institutional Reform minister had submitted her nomination form Umno vice-president post.

She is the only female candidate challenging the party's number three seat so far.

"Their endgame as Malay women in Umno politics is not just through the Wanita or Puteri door but to play a higher role in the party," she said.