Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, UMNO women's wing chief, urged the party to reposition itself firmly in the political centre as she warned that Malaysia's public debate has grown more polarised. [1]
Speaking at UMNO's 80th anniversary gathering on 2026-05-02, Noraini said some groups have drifted too far right with rigid and exclusionary views, while others have shifted too far left without clear boundaries, leaving public discourse hostile and emotional. [1]
She said moderation is central to UMNO's identity and long-standing appeal, and called it a strategic strength rather than a weakness. “The party was never built on extremes. Our true strength lies in moderation,” she said. [1]
Noraini also said voters are now more focused on the future than on emotional ties to the past. “Voters today assess us based on what we can offer for their future,” she said. [1]
UMNO is trying to recalibrate its political positioning ahead of upcoming elections by stressing unity, reform and a forward-looking agenda aimed at restoring public confidence. [1]
