MAHKOTA BY-ELECTION | Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad refused to comment on Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh calling Seputeh MP Teresa Kok a “Nyonya tua” (old Nyonya).
She was asked how she felt for her party colleague to use such words on a fellow woman leader in government.
“That has nothing to do with the by-election, leave it alone, we are now focusing on this by-election,” she said during a visit to the Mahkota constituency today.
Earlier, a report by Free Malaysia Today cited an anonymous Umno leader saying Akmal’s role in the by-election campaign was reduced to avoid causing discomfort among Chinese voters.
This is because Chinese Malaysians comprise about 35 percent of the electorate in Mahkota, Johor.
Before the by-election campaign began, two Pakatan Harapan leaders expressed concern that Akmal’s attacks against Kok may hurt BN’s chances of winning.
Umno supreme council member Ahmad Maslan also denied that Akmal was asked to stay away from the campaign.
Akmal, in reprimanding Kok over the halal certification issue, said the DAP leader would be “better off keeping silent” and that he would “ask the government to prepare a non-halal logo to stick to the forehead of this old lady.”
‘Leaders decide, we work’
Meanwhile, when asked if Umno Wanita was disappointed they were not given Mahkota to contest in, Noraini said they would do their best to campaign since the party leadership had decided on a candidate.
“At the end of the day, it’s up to the management, up to the leaders to decide who will be the best candidate.
“For the party, and like us as the party machinery, we must comply. As usual, Umno Wanita continues to work to help our candidate in Mahkota.”
Noraini also called on all parties not to raise race, religion, and royalty (3R) issues during the campaign.
“I hope 3R issues don’t come up in Mahkota… BN won’t mention it either.”
Previously, Wanita Umno and Umno Youth both showed interest in fielding a candidate from their respective party wings for the by-election.
Noraini had asked for her wing to be given a shot to uphold the legacy of the late former assemblyperson Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain.
The Election Commission set Sept 24 and 28 for early voting and polling day, respectively.
The by-election was called following the death of Sharifah, 63, on Aug 2. - Mkini
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