Nooryana Najib shares challenges of life without her father

SHAH ALAM - More than a year after the imprisonment of her father, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Nooryana Najib remains unwavering in her fight to prove his innocence.

In an interview with The Vibes, she openly shared the challenges and pains her family has endured while navigating life without the "pillar" of their family.

"We're an exceptionally close-knit family, and my children deeply miss their grandfather.

"In an effort to maintain a positive outlook, they have devised a unique approach. 'To keep things positive, we visit him in his 'office,' turning it into a delightful outing, complete with stylish attire and heartwarming surprises," she said.

Nooryana added that their biggest challenge is sustaining a cheerful home atmosphere while adjusting to her father's absence.

Further delving into their family's ordeal, Nooryana said that the extraordinary difficulty of the past 14 months has made her deeply appreciate the importance of family and the unwavering support system that has helped them persevere.

Her foremost concern is her father's physical and mental well-being as he navigates the challenges of prison life.

"Despite these trials, my father has exhibited tremendous resilience and strength.

"He's an ardent reader and has taken to journaling as a means to cope with the limited social interaction within the prison.

"Observing his determination has, in turn, inspired us and fortified our own resolve," she said.

On a separate matter, Nooryana stressed the importance of reestablishing a connection with the Umno's grassroots, returning to its core values, and fostering emerging talent.

According to her, rejuvenation stands as the critical pillar in this process.

"Coalition politics is a natural feature of a mature democracy,

"Singular party dominance is increasingly rare, and voters are better informed.

"Therefore, political dynamics naturally evolve into a more competitive landscape," she said.

However, she noted that, at the end of the day, the priority should be serving the people.

"Their role in the unity government emphasises the importance of accountability and delivering tangible results, particularly in these challenging economic times," she added.

For Nooryana, her interest in politics has been longstanding.

However, it was her father's incarceration that catalysed her to take on a more active role.

Despite the demanding juggle of motherhood and political duties, she has been able to persevere due to her robust support system.

Within Puteri Umno, under the leadership of Datuk Nurul Amal Fauzi, a sisterhood has emerged—a group of young women who, like her, are navigating the early stages of their political careers, she said.

Nooryana's involvement in education and her current role as Lembah Pantai Puteri Umno chief focus on essential issues related to financial security and empowerment, particularly for young women.

She firmly believes that women should be financially empowered and independent to have the freedom to choose their desired paths and reach their aspirations.