Umno must not allow party image damaged by legal troubles, says delegate

An Umno delegate has urged the party to protect its reputation by not being associated with members embroiled in corruption or legal cases, warning that public perceptions of arrests and convictions damage the organisation's standing.

Suraya, a prominent figure in the party's women's wing, stressed that while Umno will not shield guilty members from accountability, the party must be mindful of how such cases are perceived by the public.

"We cannot allow the party's image to be tarnished by these matters," she said, referring obliquely to high-profile cases involving party members. Her comments underscored internal concerns about the reputational impact of legal proceedings involving senior figures.

Suraya also cautioned against what she characterised as revenge politics, suggesting that weaponising the legal system for political gain would be inappropriate. Her remarks reflect broader tensions within Umno over how to balance accountability with party unity and public perception.

The comments come as Umno continues efforts to rebuild its image following years of political turbulence and high-profile corruption investigations affecting senior members.