'Brave' Umno should lead in enacting Political Funding Act - Noraini

UMNO AGM | Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad today urged the party to take the lead in enacting the long-debated law to regulate political funding.

In her policy speech at the wing’s general assembly, Noraini, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, stressed that the “brave” move will not only protect Umno against “slander” but also preserve Malaysia’s democracy.

“In our efforts to build a fair and mature political system, we need strong and progressive political commitment. Umno must take the lead in establishing a Political Funding Act immediately.

“Every sen, every contribution will be disclosed transparently. Every donor’s identity will be known. There will no longer be room for slander or accusations,” she said in her speech to 1,131 delegates gathered at Dewan Tun Hussein Onn in the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

The Parit Sulong MP also said it is unfortunate that Umno and BN have been “victims” of allegations linked to the abuse of political funding.

Last December, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M Kulasegaran said the government is open to input on drafting the Political Funding Bill, following a series of 20 grassroots engagement sessions.

Under the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review tabled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in September 2023, the Pakatan Harapan-led government had set a target to enact the new law before the next general election, which must be held by February 2028.

Determination to change

Noraini today said that Umno, unlike other parties, is not afraid of the proposed law.

“Some parties may be afraid of this act - afraid of being exposed, afraid of being uncovered, afraid their secrets will be revealed. But not Umno.

“Umno is a brave party. For more than seven decades, we have defended the nation’s dignity.

“As a result, we will not bow to fear and doubt. Umno has already proven its determination to change… now it is time for us to prove to Malaysia that Umno dares to act,” she stressed.

Questions surrounding “political donations” for Umno had raised extensive questions that formed a key part of former party president Najib Abdul Razak’s RM2.6 billion 1MDB-linked charges, of which he was recently found guilty.

Alluding to Najib’s verdict, Noraini expressed hope that there remains to be “light at the end of the tunnel” and for members to place their full trust in party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

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