'Don't let Sabah polls loss deny chances of Puteri Umno members'

 

UMNO AGM | Sabah Puteri Umno secretary Laiji Ompongoh has reminded party leaders not to use her defeat in the Nabawan state seat at the last Sabah election as an excuse to deny opportunities for others in the wing.

Laiji, who is also the Pensiangan Puteri Umno division chief, stressed that the outcome of the Sabah election should not be treated as an absolute benchmark for assessing the capability of Puteri Umno candidates in other states.

“Every experience of winning and losing is part of the process of building successors and strengthening the party. Like me in Sabah - I’ve already lost, but don’t lump it all together and then not give opportunities to other Puteri members to become (election) candidates.

“Don’t let this outcome cause others in other states to be denied the opportunity,” she said while debating the Puteri Umno chief’s policy speech during the Umno general assembly 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

In the 17th Sabah election, Laiji (above) lost in a nine-cornered contest that saw incumbent Abdul Ghani Mohd Yassin defending his seat with a 1,682-vote majority.

Call for Umno to change

Laiji today stressed that Umno cannot move forward with old approaches in a political landscape that has changed significantly, and must be brave to reform to not fall behind and be abandoned by the people.

“If we fail to change, we will not only fall behind but also risk being left behind,” said the 35-year-old.

The Umno flag and logo

Recalling her experience as a young woman candidate, Laiji admitted she never imagined becoming a candidate, let alone being ready to contest, and initially felt she was unworthy and too small to be elevated.

However, she said, everything happens at the right time.

Although the election result was not in her favour, Laiji described the defeat as a “delayed victory” and part of the political learning process.

She also stressed that being the sole candidate from the Puteri wing in the Sabah election was not a gift, but a huge responsibility that demonstrated Puteri’s ability to shoulder responsibility when entrusted.

Young women urged to rise up

Looking forward, she urged Puteri members in other states due for state elections, including Johor and Malacca, to be prepared to step forward as candidates.

She stressed that the voices of young women today are no longer merely an “add-on”, but a necessity in party leadership, as the group understands the pulse of society and the realities of life pressures faced by future generations.

“Don’t wait until we are perfect to become candidates. Leadership is not about perfection, but the courage to learn, serve, and speak up,” she said.

She added that young women should rise and step forward to lead as a voice for change, to build a more just and inclusive future. - Mkini