UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein wants the Wanita UMNO movement to be more proactive and dominant instead of being mere followers and implementors of party policies.

Hishammuddin, who is also the Defence Minister, said Wanita UMNO, as the backbone of the main party, must move further ahead in proposing and planning the policies.

"Wanita must be a strong voice in giving ideas and opposing any action that can destroy the party.

"More importantly, the Wanita movement must become the force that is capable of influencing the direction and objectives of the party," he said in his speech at the 'Anugerah Nadi Negara 2016' programme in conjunction with the 2016 UMNO General Assembly, here today.

Hishammuddin also outlined five strategic plans that needed to be carried out by the Wanita UMNO movement in strengthening further the role of the party wing, including finding an immediate solution to overcome the problems and weaknesses of the movement.

Wanita UMNO was also recommended to play a role in helping the women particularly concerning issues on the cost of living, participation in decision-making and competition in business.

The party wing was also reminded to immediately draw up an operation strategy for the movement in facing the 14th General Election.

Earlier, Hishammuddin presented awards to 23 recipients of the Anugerah Nadi Negara and two recipients of bursaries and three recipients of the 2016 Special Educational Personality Awards.

The 'Anugerah Nadi Negara' which was introduced seven years ago aimed to appreciate local and foreign university graduates who were actively involved in the fields of politics, economy and business. -- Bernama