Noraini: Chance appearance with DAP MP not on Zahid's orders

Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad has refuted allegations that she was instructed by party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to invite a DAP lawmaker to join her at a recent function.

Certain quarters had characterised her appearance with Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming as part of Zahid’s plan to form a “jajaran baru” (new political alliance) with DAP and PKR.

Some circulated a screenshot of a purported WhatsApp conversation among top Umno leaders that suggested such appearances would help convince the grassroots to accept DAP.

Noraini dismissed the speculation as slander aimed at dividing the party...