KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2- Several Wanita Umno leaders have given their backing to Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to continue to lead the movement.
Johor Wanita Umno chief Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain said the movement had grown into a powerful entity in the party since it was led by Shahrizat whom she described having a motherly trait, but firm in making decisions and shouldering her tasks.
She told Bernama that Wanita Umno was on the right track under Shahrizat’s stewardship as she understood what women of today wanted and claimed that 98 Wanita Umno members in Johor were still behind the Wanita chief.
Member of Parliament for Pengerang Datuk Seri Azlina Othman, who was also former Puteri Umno chief, has expressed her intention to challenge Shahrizat for the Wanita Umno top post at the party’s election on Sept 28.
Pahang Wanita Umno chief Datuk Rosni Zahari said Shahrizat’s leadership was still needed by the movement as she was the best Wanita leader by far and claimed that 90 per cent of Wanita members in the state would rally behind her (Shahrizat).
Kelantan Umno Wanita chief Datin Rahimah Mohamad said Sharizat had lifted the image of Wanita Umno during her first term in office, forcing many quarters to pay attention to the movement.
“Wanita Umno’s presence is greatly felt as Umno rides the waves the Malays’ struggle,” she added.
Describing Shahrizat as hardworking and caring, Wanita Umno executive committee member Datuk Maznah Abdul Hamid said Shahrizat was a well-rounded, hardworking and caring leader, and attested that 90 per cent of the 191 Wanita Umno divisions would rally behind her as she often meet grassroots members.
“Wanita Umno needs a leader who has the characteristics of a wife, a mother, understands the challenges of managing household chores, has a grasp of the economy, and serves as a guiding light to women, and not merely good at politicking,” added Maznah.
On the other hand, another Wanita Umno executive committee member, Datuk Jamelah A. Bakar hoped if there were a contest for the top Wanita post, it should be conducted in a healthy manner for the good of the party.
“Don’t quarrel, don’t make statements that could hurt others and cause disunity among Wanita Umno members,” she added.
– BERNAMA
