KUALA LUMPUR: Umno leaders and members have been reminded to accept the fact that the grand old party is no longer a dominant political organisation in the country.

Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said following the party's poor showing during the last two general elections, Umno must come to terms that the party will never be able to contest all the seats in the country in the upcoming state polls.

The present development in the country's political landscape, said Norani, demands Umno to learn to work in consensus and compromise with its allies in the unity government.

"In the upcoming (state) elections, we should ensure the victory of Barisan Nasional (BN).

"At the same time, we must also lend our assistance to our political partners in the coalition (unity) government to help them win their respective seats just as how we are hoping for similar assistance from them," Noraini said in her policy speech during the Wanita Umno delegates' conference at the Dewan Merdeka of the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre here today.

Noraini, nevertheless, realised that such a move is a tall order for Umno to adapt with, since the party has quite some time been the political rival to few of its allies in the unity government.

She, however, envisioned that it is not impossible for Umno to forge strong cooperation with its political allies in the unity government for the betterment of the country.

"Therefore, the conference today is extremely important. Let us come together and identify the best formula in our efforts not only to inject new spirit into the (Wanita Umno) movement but also position Umno to its former glory.

"Let us put aside our disappointment and frustration (following Umno's dismal performance in the last two general elections).

"There is a big task ahead of us and we need to move forward," Noraini said.

She added that Umno is currently going through its recovery phase and the party needs some time to rise from its defeat during the 14th and 15th general elections.

"The country's political landscape has become more dynamic and full of surprises. As if we are going through uncharted territory.

"Nevertheless, we must accept the cooperation and coalition in the unity government with an open heart.

"But why? Because Umno plays an instrumental role and responsibility in ensuring political stability as well as economic and social well-being of the people in the country," she said.

Noraini also reiterated the movement's stance that it will not budge from its demand for the party leadership to set aside 30 per cent of seats in the upcoming state elections for women candidates.

"We want such quotas for women candidates to become a reality and not merely empty promises. We will continue to demand (for the top leadership) to set aside such quota.

"Wanita Umno has a line-up of leaders who are capable of being put forward as election candidates. I certainly believe that we can," she said.

Noraini, who is also Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) chairman, also announced the setting up of the country's first Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) training centre for women.

"The training centre is our commitment to increasing the number of high-skilled workforce among women through upskilling and reskilling programmes,

"I have already initiated discussion with the minister involved on the implementation of the programmes.

"We are targeting the participation of 15,000 women nationwide for these programmes under the training centre," she said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/06/917768/umno-no-longer-dominant-party-says-wanita-umno-chief