Noraini said members of her wing have shown more commitment towards working for the party.

She said Umno has yet to fulfil its target of 30% female representation, both in its leadership and candidate lineup, an objective that was established even before she took up the post of Wanita Umno chief in 2018.

“Many are qualified. Give these women any task and they would outdo the men,” she told FMT in an interview.

In the last general election, Umno contested a total of 120 seats. According to Noraini, the party fielded 14 women candidates, which is an improvement that can be enhanced.

“Efforts to achieve the 30% target will not stop. Look at past statistics and the recent general election. Previously we had nine women candidates, and then 14,” she said.

She said all parties must push forward the agenda as not one single party has achieved 30% female representation.

Separately, Noraini denied claims of the last Umno elections being a competition between her, as representing party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s camp, and Shahrizat Jalil, as representing Najib Razak’s camp.

“We all represent Umno, we don’t represent any particular individual,” she said.

Shahrizat was made an Umno Supreme Council member following her loss to Noraini.

Noraini described the competition between the two during the party’s polls as “healthy”, adding that she has “no problem” with Shahrizat.